CO129-384 - Public Offices - 1911 — Page 13

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incurs a heavy amount of work which it is under no obligation

to discharge. I at once signifiod my willingness to assist

the Chinese Customs in the manner desired, but here again I

desire that it should be strongly impressed upon the Chinese

Government that unless they shew some intention of reciprocal

goodwill, I am not gɗ disposed to continue these good offices.

12. In the matter of the draft Customs Convention, you

are aware that the initiative was taken by the Chinese Comm å æs

sioner of Customs, with a view to the immense benefit which

would accrue to the Revenue of China if the extensive smuggling

of salt could be placed under control, and if facilities could

be afforded to the "Kowloon Commissioner. of Customs" with this

and other objects in view. The Y Convention contains clauses

which confar reciprocal benefits, but the fact remains that

it was inaugurated and is being pressed by an official in

The proposals Chinese employ as a great benefit to China. have been met with cordiality by this Government which is ready

to negotiate on the basis of the draft.

13. I have thus as briefly as possible summarised on the one hand the basis on which negotiations for a Working Agree-

ment for the Railway have been carried on, and endeavoured to shew that this Government desires nothing but an equitable arrangement which shall enable the Line to be worked under conditions which will bring in some return for capital outlay, and has been very willing to accord the most liberal considera-

On the other hand I tion to China's desires and prejudices. have shewn that in many other questions of recent date Hongkong

has conferred benefits on China.

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In these circumstances I have the honour to apneal to you to represent these matters to the Chinese Government, and to urge the Wai Wu Pu to assent without further delay to the reasonable demands of this Government in the matter of the Working Agreement and to conclude that instrument at once without further delay. I attach a brief memorandum showing the

extent