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Enclosure No. 1.
Translation of an Order of the Minister of Finance
of the Nationalist Government of the Republic of
China to Ir. F. V. Maze, Inspector General of the
Chinese Maritime Customs.
Since the introduction of the New Import Tariff, merchants resorting to unlawful benefit smuggling has
been growing very extensively, especially in the Hong Kong district, which forms the source of this illegal traffic.
If strict measures are not taken to remedy the situation, the loss to the National Revenue will become very serious. On the occasion of his recent visit to Canton, the
Minister had an interview with the Hong Kong Governor on
this subject who expressed his willingness to do his best
within his territory to co-operate with China in order to
prevent smuggling. The Inspector General is therefore
hereby ordered to devise as soon as possible plans for
the establishment of a preventive service throughout
China; and to go in person to Hong Kong to consult with
the Hong Kong Governor for his co-operation according to the main principles proposed by the Inspector General. A report on what has been accomplished is to be submitted
for consideration.
(Signed) T. V. Soong,
Minister of Finance.
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