Poslation.
538
C. O.
16557
RECO
∞
REGO 27 JUN 9
_Viceroy T'an to Consul Mansfield.
May 12th., 1899.
Sir,
1
I have received your despatch conveying the views of the Governor of Hongkong on the subject of the Kowloon Customs.
I would observe that in the original convention regarding the New Territory, no mention is made of the removal of the Customs.
Some time ago I received your note, embodying a telegram from the Governor of Hongkong, to the effect that all the Officials must be removed with the exception of the Customs Officers. I have also received a telegram from Sir Robert Hart, Inspector-General of Customs, stating that a communication had been received from the Marquess of Salisbury deferring the removal for six months. Having regard to these two statements of the Governor of Hongkong and the Marquess of Salisbury respectively, it follows that there can be no question of ceasing to levy duties. But from April 16th., Commissioner Biller ceased to collect duties at two of
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