523
"formula affords China's Revenue such protection as she
"deems essential; that China be not called upon to grant
"to Hongkong privileges denied to others; and that pro-
"vision be made for the Maritime Customs to participate
"actively in the routine work necessary for the control,
"etc., of cargo, and in such Preventive measures in
"Hongkong and the waterways thereof as may be proposed."
It will be observed, therefore, that I am willing to continue
the negotiations on the basis of the July 1929 draft - with
Article V. deleted; or to examine any other formula presented
by Hongkong, provided that it affords adequate protection to
China's Revenue; that the Maritime Customs participate in such
executive measures as may be devised; and that Hongkong does
not insist on China granting to her concessions denied to others.
In conclusion, I wish to state that I do not understand
Hongkong's attitude. I, as representing China in the negotia-
tions last July, came to an understanding with the British
Authorities there and the July draft of the so-called Customs
Agreement was the result; on my return to Shanghai the Chinese
Government rejected Article V. (as I anticipated), and I informed
Hongkong accordingly; a few months later (in November) Hongkong,
it seems, drew up a new draft which fundamentally differed from
the original (July) draft; and I am not furnished with a copy of
this document until the following May some six months later.
But not only am I thus kept completely in the dark for half a
year (i.e., this period of time has been needlessly wasted
apart altogether from the scant courtesy extended to China and
myself), but Lampson pressed me for a speedy reply, as he is
leaving for the North soon. Some time back I mentioned that it
is lucky that I possess a sense of humour I still think so!
Yours truly,
(Sgd.) F.W. MAZE.