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HER MAJESTY'S CONSULATE, CANTON,
RECE Res 22 h 96
14th March, 1895.
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Sir:-
I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 28th February inviting me to state my views on the subject of regulations for passenger ships on voyages of not more than seven days' duration.
My opinion is that it is best that any regulation of the passenger traffic at the treaty ports should be left to the Chinese Government, acting through the Imperial Maritime Customs,—otherwise British vessels will be placed at a disadvantage for even though other Powers may consent to impose restrictions on their ships, the enforcement of the restrictions in most cases will rest with persons not so conscientious or trustworthy as British Consuls.
In the case of Norwegian steamers, for example, and these are every year taking a larger
The Colonial Secretary
Hongkong.
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