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oncerned, the situation would probably be much improved propertien as the illicit snuggling from Hongkong was 345
topped.
Your Excellency will observs from the letter of the eting Collector of Customs to Messrs. Smith, Bell and
mpany (Enclosure 10) that he criticises unfavourably e steps taken in Hongkong to prevent the introduction f opium on board vessels, which apparently consist
rely of the stationing of four Chinese pelicemen on card while the vessels are in Hongkong Harbour, and he Lates that fines will he imposed on vessels arriving rem Hongkong on which opium is found unless it is shown hat adequate steps are taken to prevent its being placed
hoard while in the harbour at Hengkeng.
In the light of these statements it is apparent that he Acting Collector of Customs is dissatisfied with the action taken of prevent smuggling in Hongkong and he
o doubt refrains from making suggestions as requested Messrs.Smith, Ball and Compeny, on the grounds that, British intereste being affected, it is the duty of these Boncerned with them in Hongkong to adjust the situation.
In order to gain some knowledge of the epium buggling question, I have had interviews with the fasters of all the ships of the China Navigation Company nd the Indo-China Steam Navigation Company, five in umber, for which Messrs. Smith,Bell and Company are genta, and which call at this port from Hongkong.
3
from these interviews I have gathered the following facts.
The wite of the few British officers on board these hips are pitted against the craft and astäteness of [ifty to sixty Chinese who form the crews on each of these shipe and who have confederates ashore and de
Tome
India
Med
smuggling