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54
Enclosure No. 6.
during his stay in Hong Kong. He, therefore,
asked me whether we could not begin discussions
at once and carry them as far as possible during
his stay here, leaving my stipulations to be dealt with on his return to Shanghai. I agreed and
we arranged that a formal discussion of the draft
agreement should take place as soon as possible.
6. Next day there was a meeting of the
Executive Council, and I informed the members of
the proposals made by Mr. Maze and of the
stipulations, which I had made. The Council
agreed with me that an attempt should now be made to conclude an Anglo-Chinese Customs Agreement
concerning Hong Kong.
7. On the 19th July, I presided over a conference at Government House. There were present on this occasion, as representing the Government of Hong Kong, in addition to myself, the Colonial Secretary Mr. W. T. Southorn), the Attorney General (Sir Joseph Kemp), the Harbour Master (Commander G.F. Hole, R.N.), and the Superintendent of Imports and Exports (r. J.D. Lloyd). On behalf of the Chinese Maritime Customs, there were present
Mr. F.V. Maze ( Inspector General), Hr. Wright ( the Inspector General's secretary) and Ir. C.F. Johnston (the Commissioner of Customs for Kowloon and district). It so happened that Mr. G.S. Moss, His Majesty's Consul General at Canton, was on a visit to me, and at my invitation he also attended the conference.
I attach the shorthand notes of the discussion, which then took place, and which lasted the whole morning from 9.30. a.m. to 1. p.m. We went through
the