7.
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now enjoyed by British trade in the Treaty-ports of China
should be conceded, where necessary, to the Colony's trade.
Furthermore, there remains, if I may be permitted to
this point
say so, the question of "friendly relations" has not been specially stressed by the Nanking Authorities, but, nevertheless, it seems to me to be a factor which, viewed politically, is closely associated with the whole
question. It is clear that organised smuggling in South
China has now developed to an unprecedented extent and
that China's Revenue is seriously affected thereby; and
it is equally obvious that the Maritime Customs cannot
effectively deal with this growing menace to the Revenue
unless we are permitted to function in the manner outlined
in the Agreement.
Finally, if the Hongkong Government have in mind any
other special concession, in addition to those already enumerated, which they desire to obtain, I suggest that
it would be convenient if I receive some indication of its
nature?
Believe me,
Yours sincerely
(Signed) F.W. Maze.