746
Under the licence under which there are certain launches authorised and inasmuch as they are licensed by the Kowloon Government, they are authorised to convey passenger and merchandise to and from places outside the waters of this Colony and within the waters of this Colony. It will be observed that under the certificates issued by the Kowloon Pleasure Launch Commissioner, copies of which I enclose, launches are not allowed to carry passengers at all.
I would also point out that under these certificates the launches are liable to be boarded by Customs Officers, apparently within the waters of this Colony. I should therefore be glad to learn under what authority the Kowloon Commissioner issues these Customs certificates.
Finally, I would be much obliged if Your Excellency would be good enough to ascertain from the Chinese Government the exact position which the Kowloon Commissioner of Customs holds.
It has happened occasionally that he has expressed a desire to be of any assistance in his power to the Chinese authorities, and I have always been prepared to receive him. But I should feel more at liberty to make any communication to him if I knew the powers he possesses, whom he really represents, and to whom he is responsible.
I have, &c.,
(S.) I. I. INNES,
Administering the Government.