# DRAFT
It would be possible to entertain the idea of allowing some form of Chinese Custom Jurisdiction within the Colony. There are grave fears that this would in the end be understood as a blind held to smuggling and would result in much loss of revenue on the colony in 1897.
It is estimated by the Hong Kong Government that to allow the Chinese Authorities to collect opium for the Chinese hill would actually entail loss of revenue on the colony. Mr. Chen is prepared to sanction some loss of revenue to avoid the perpetual annoyance and interference to which the firm has given rise.
It is considered that this will not be the case within the limits of the new territory and the leased territory. Chinese officials are anxious to exert their authority and interfere at every point with the huge smuggling that makes the opium traffic profitable.
## MINUTE
Mr. Chamberlain
269
I should not propose to arrive at any further illustration, &c.
N. Blake
to the postponement of the occupation of the territory.
Mr. Wilson.
Mr. Lucas.
Mr. Graham.
Sir J. Bramston.
Mr. Wingfield.
Earl of Selborne.
Mr. Chamberlain.
6. In connection with this subject, attention is drawn to the despatch between...
Page 269
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revised to# DRAFT
It would be possible to entertain the idea of allowing some form of Chinese Custom Jurisdiction within the Colony. There are grave fears that this would in the end be understood as a blind held to smuggling and would result in much loss of revenue on the colony in 1897.
It is estimated by the Hong Kong Government that to allow the Chinese Authorities to collect opium for the Chinese hill would actually entail loss of revenue on the colony. Mr. Chen is prepared to sanction some loss of revenue to avoid the perpetual annoyance and interference to which the firm has given rise.
It is considered that this will not be the case within the limits of the new territory and the leased territory. Chinese officials are anxious to exert their authority and interfere at every point with the huge smuggling that makes the opium traffic profitable.
## MINUTE
Mr. Chamberlain 269
I should not propose to arrive at any further illustration, &c.
N. Blake to the postponement of the occupation of the territory.
Mr. Wilson. Mr. Lucas. Mr. Graham. Sir J. Bramston. Mr. Wingfield. Earl of Selborne. Mr. Chamberlain.
6. In connection with this subject, attention is drawn to the despatch between...
Page 269