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10. From the point of view of this Consulate there is
no doubt that if the proposed Agreement is concluded it
would go far to prevent smuggling from Hongkong and the
friction and the damage to British interests which unchecked
smuggling working to annul the effect of our new Tariff
Treaty would cause. In this connection the Committee of the
Canton British Chamber of Commerce fully endorses my view
that it would be greatly to the advantage of respectable
British merchants and, in the long run, of the British
manufacturer, if smuggling from Hongkong on the scale which
has set in since the new Chinese tariff were effectively
prevented. I append copy of their reply to a letter from
me asking confidentially for their considered opinion on
Amoy despatch No. 23 of the 17th June last describing the
effects of the recent great increase of smuggling on
British trade in the treaty-ports.
11. I understand that if he succeeds in concluding a
satisfactory Agreement with the Government of Hongkong,
Mr. Maze intends to endeavour to negotiate similar Agree-
ments with the Governments of Macao and Kwan chowwan
which are also great smuggling centres.
I have, etc.,
(sa) G. 3. Moss.
Acting Consul-General.
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