Copy
(F 3470/84/10)
COMAI DENTIAL
Sir,
FOREIGN OFFICE, S.W.1.
7th August, 1929.
39
With reference to Foreign Office letter No. F 3328/3328/
10 of the 11th July, I am directed by Mr. Secretary Henderson
to transmit herewith, to be laid before the Lords Commissioners
of the Admiralty, copy of a despatch from His Majesty's
Minister at Peking regarding the carriage of contraband by
British ships.
2. Mr. Henderson proposes, subject to the agreement of
the Lords Commissioners, to approve Sir M. Lampson's suggestion
that British shipping companies shall be officially notified
that, unless smuggling is effectively stopped, the principle
of immunity will have to be definitely abandoned and permission
accorded to the officers of certain Chinese preventive organi-
sations (and not solely the Maritime Customs as hitherto) to
board British vessels and search them for contraband. The
draft of a despatch to this effect is enclosed herein; Mr.
Henderson will be glad to learn whether Their Lordships concur
in its terms.
3.
A copy of this letter is being sent to the Board of
Trade and Home Office.
The Secretary
of the Admiralty.
I am etc.,
(Sgd) GEORGE MOUNSEY.