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copy here with
normal course of evolution there must be a gradual but
steady increase in the Chinese element introduced into
the service, until ultimately the Administration passes
completely under Chinese control. This process is
certain to be viewed with great distaste in many quarters
and more especially by foreigners resident in China; and
this should be borne in mind when estimating the validity
of the criticisms of the Treaty port communities to which
Sir C. Clementi refers. Since the appointment of Mr.
Maze as Inspector General of Customs the native bureaux
for the collection of surtaxes in addition to the Customs
duties, the establishment of which a few years ago was
regarded as so serious a menace to the future existence of
the Customs Administration, have been abolished. A further
valuable reform is reported in Sir C. Clementi's telegram
No. 8 of May 1st to Peking, copy of which was communicated
to the Colonial Office by the Foreign Office on 6th May.
There appears therefore to be little justification for
Sir C. Clementi's charge that the appointment of Mr. Maze
has inflicted mortal injury on the service; and in any
case the office of Inspector General is no easy one in
present circumstances, and Sir Austen Chamberlain considers
that it is better policy to support Mr. Maze rather than to
add to his difficulties by adopting an attitude of mistrust.
With regard to the question referred to by Sir C.
Clementi of the lighting of the China coast, at present
under the charge of the Marine Department of the Customs
Administration, the present position is clearly explained
in the accompanying copy of a confidential memorandum by
Mr.