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Mr. Maze which has been communicated to this department.
I am to suggest that a copy of this memorandum be
communicated to Sir C. Clementi in strict confidence for
his own personal information.
4. With the acquisition of Tariff autonomy by China
and the immediate prospect of further negotiations for the
conclusion of a commercial treaty based upon the principle
of equality and reciprocity, the future prosperity of
Hongkong will clearly be affected by the nature of the
arrangements which it may be found possible to make in
regard to the future functioning of the Chinese Customs
Administration. In such matters the Administration itself
is likely to be in a position to exercise considerable
influence, and it would be unfortunate if anything
interferted to prevent the relations between the British
Head of the Customs Administration and the British
authorities in the Far East being placed upon a footing of
mutual confidence and support.
I am,
Sir,
Your obedient Servant,
Споткий
F. Ashim. Cowmikin