SAVINGRAM
To the Secretary of State for the Colonies.
From the Governor, Hong Kong.
Date 5 Jun 1950.
610
Copy: Comm. Gen. Silgapore (to
CHINESE TERRITORIAL WATERS
CONFIDENTIAL
14
The extract below from the "Provisional Swatow Customs Preventive Law",(dated ? February, 1950) is of interest since it confirms the Chinese claim of 12 miles as the limit of Chinese territorial waters :-
"10.
Ship navigating within 12 miles of the China coast will be fired at with the Master liable to be fined a sum not exceeding JMP 18,000,000 if she does not heave to upon being ordered by Customs preventive
If the case is launch firing blank shots as signals. considered serious, the ship is also liable to be con- fiscated.
11. Ship navigating within 12 miles of the China coast, or having escaped beyond such limit upon being pursued, will be fined a sum not exceeding JMP 18,000,000 for destroying or throwing overboard goods or documents concerning such goods in an attempt to avoid seizure. the case is considered serious, the ship is also liable. to be confiscated
12.
If
Master of ship from foreign ports having entered the 12 miles limit of the China coast will be fined at same or twice the value of the goods, if he allows goods to be discharged before the ship has arrived at the anchorage where discharging is permitted and Discharge Permit obtained, If the case is considered serious the goods and/or ship are also liable to be confiscated. Any other ship to which such goods are being transhipped or assisting in their loading or unloading will be dealt with similarly.
CRANKS
9- JUN 1950 REGISTRY