Copy
(F 3050/27/10)
52
Extract from Amoy consular intelligence report for the
half-year ended March 31st, 1933.
11. Postal, Customs and Salt Administration.
Finally,
A great deal of trouble with the Customs was
caused by the claim of the Commissioner to inflict what
fines he pleased on ships on board which contraband was
discovered, even though the owners and officers were not
at fault and had taken all reasonable precautions.
the shipping companies, which had for some time acceded to
his demands for fear of reprisals, found the situation
intolerable and refused to pay. In addition, the Commissioner
received orders from the Inspectorate General to moderate
his zeal, and no complaints have been heard for some time.
There can be little doubt that the infliction of excessive
and unjustifiable fines was part of a policy of which the
then Commissioner, Baron Albert Sadoine, was quite ready
to become an instrument. He has now, however, been
transferred to Lappa (Macao), where he will not be allowed
to interfere with foreign shipping.