No.158
Hongkong.
25
Sir,
asures.
of wat hail
19074
C.0-
20382
Rece
Rag 28 MAY 02,
Government House,
Hongkong, 22nd April, 1902.
551
I have the honour to transmit for your information copies of a letter from the Hongkong General Chamber of Commerce and the reply thereto relative to attempts which have been made to avoid the payment of a tax called Ching-fei, levied by the Viceroy of the Two Kwangs on certain articles imported in native bottoms.
2.
It is desirable that measures should be taken to put a stop to this abuse of the port, but I am advised that the only power possessed by this Government is that of refusal to grant licences to junks against which complaint has been made.
3.
I have directed the Chamber of Commerce to be informed that I would transmit the correspondence to you for such action as you might deem desirable.
I have the honour to be,
Sir,
Your most obedient
Humble servant,
M.J. Gascoigne
Major-General,
Administering the Government.
THE RIGHT HONOURABLE
JOSEPH CHAMBERLAIN, M.P.,
&c...
&c.
&c.
INOD