257
48.
a)
a)
f)
g)
carried direct from Hongkong to more river
ports than formerly.
It would clear up some of the difficulties
about pseudo-British vessels flying the
British flag.
The Chinese modification will not affect
the system of issuing inland waters certifi-
cates to British-flag vessels at open ports
in the two Kwang provinces for trading to
non-open ports, and Hongkong British-flag
vessels will still be able to obtain such
certificates on application at Treaty Ports.
The modification will therefore not ser-
iously affect the present status of British-
flag vessels, while their future on Chinese
rivers depends on the issue of the commercial
treaty negotiations which may entail cancel-
lation of the existing West River Regula-
tions, a question which is outside the scope
of the Hongkong agreement.
Any agreement between Hongkong and the
Nanking Government, without the consent of
Canton, may not be conclusive, as it may
profit the national exchequer through the
Customs at the expense of the provincial
treasury.
h)
The immediate conclusion of an agreement
may not be quite so serious an issue as Mr.
Maze wishes us to believe (a view from which
the Foreign Office dissent).