CO129-517-1 Administration and function of Chinese Maritime customs- prevention of smuggling across Chinese frontiers 7-2-1929 - 15-11-1929 — Page 147

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the land Frontiers mentioned above, examine local conditions

on the spot, ascertain, in consultation with looal Commis-

sioners, the estimated extent of smuggling now taking place

along these Frontiers and likely to take place in the neigh-

bourhoods concerned in the future, and draw up preventive

proposals calculated to deal effectively with these local

conditions, and thus protect Revenue interests. In the

Inspector General's opinion, Frontier guards, at the begin-

ning at any rate, should be composed of both Chinese and

foreign units. This may add to the expense, but it must be

remembered that we are endeavouring to protect an annual

Revenue of about Hk.Tls.160,000,000.-

and if trade develops

normally perhaps Hk.Tls. 200,000,000.-, and reasonable extra

expenditure is therefore justified: in fact will in the end

prove economical.

To summarise what precedes:-

(1) The new Tariff has naturally given an impetus

to smuggling, and the Customs, therefore,

should develop their Preventive Service to

stop or check the increased smuggling now

observable;

(2) Armed guards on the Tonking, Howloon and

Lappa, Korean and Russian Frontiers will

be necessary;

(3) The Customs Preventive Launch Service in the

Kowloon and Lappa Districts should be re-

organised, if necessary one or two larger

Vessels should be provided, existing Launches

should be effectively re-armed and protected

by