No.52.
(36)
540
Colonial Secretary's Office.
Hong Kong, 16th May, 1899,
C.O.
Sir,
16557
RECO REG? 27 JUN 19
I am directed to acknowledge the receipt of the Vice-Consul's letter No.60 of the 13th instant and its enclosure respecting the question of the Chinese Customs Stations in the new territory.
With reference to the Viceroy's remarks on the subject contained in his despatch to you of the 12th instant, I am to observe that in three stations only, viz., Capsuimoon, Fotochow, and Cheung chow, are the customs officials permitted by Her Majesty's Government to remain until buildings outside the leased territory have been prepared for them, but under no circumstances later than October next. In the meantime, they can only collect in those waters such duties as shippers choose to pay for convenience and have no coercive powers whatever.
As regards the other stations, the Chinese officials have all ceased to collect duties. Mr. Hillier, the Commissioner, having been informed by the Governor that His Excellency could not allow such collection nor the continuance.
Her Britannic Majesty's Consul,
CANTON
128
Page 128
(no other text is given at the end, so no further action is taken)