COPY.
(F 6330/5423/10)
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Decode.
Mr. Ingram (Peking).
August 22nd 1932.
D. Wireless
August 22nd 1932.
R. 6.30 p..
August 22nd 1938.
No. 533. (R).
103
Hongkong telegram No.174 to Colonial Office.
I entirely concur in reasons for deprecating
appointment of Chinese Consul at Hongkong though it may
be difficult to put them in so many words to Chinese
Government.
2. Idea that Chinese Commissioner of Customs should
function over consular invoices seems worth pursuing.
If request for consular representation at Hongkong has
been advanced solely in connexion with these invoices
would it not be possible to tell Chinese Minister plainly
that existence of Commissioner of Customs at Hongkong
who is eminently qualified to undertake the task renders
appointment of Consul unnecessary?
3. My French colleague tells me that government
of Indo-China while refusing appointment of Chinese
Consular Officer for the purpose of invoices has no
objection to the task being undertaken by local Chinese
Chember of Commerce. Article 15, detailed enforcement
of rules for issue of Consular invoices by Chinese
Consulates abroad - see enclosure to my despatch No.1003
of/