213
72751/30.
PARAPHRASE TELEGRAM from the Secretary of State for the
O.A.G.
Colonies to the deverer of Hong Kong.
(sent 3.45 p.. 10th February, 1930)
This is Secret and refers to Chinese Customs agreement. In a telegram from Hong Kong Chamber of Commerce to China
Assosiation dated the 28th December there is a statement
to the effect that should China not be prepared to accept Customs agreement in its present form the Government of
Hong Kong will make constructive proposals on a different
basis which would still help to prevent snuggling and that
the Hong Kong Government are willing that it should be
discussed with the Chinese Maritime Custans. Please report
by telegraph whether your Government have considered any alternative proposals and if so what they are.
The July draft has been considered by China
Association but having regard to what they have heard as
to later modifications they have now asked to see the
revised draft and also your secret despatch dated the
20th of November.
I should be glad to receive your
observations on the Association's request.