CO129-517-1 Administration and function of Chinese Maritime customs- prevention of smuggling across Chinese frontiers 7-2-1929 - 15-11-1929 — Page 166

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normal course of evolution there must be a gradual but

steady increase in the Chinese element introduced into

the service, until ultimately the Administration passes

completely under Chinese control. This process is

certain to be viewed with great distaste in many quarters

and more especially by foreigners resident in China; and

this should be borne in mind when estimating the validity

of the criticisms of the Treaty port communities to which

Sir C. Clementi refers. Since the appointment of Mr.

Maze as Inspector General of Customs the native bureaux

for the collection of surtaxes in addition to the Customs

duties, the establishment of which a few years ago was

regarded as so serious a menace to the future existence of

the Customs Administration, have been abolished. A further

valuable reform is reported in Sir C. Clementi's telegram

No. 8 of May 1st to Peking, copy of which was communicated

to the Colonial Office by the Foreign Office on 6th May.

There appears therefore to be little justification for

Sir C. Clementi's charge that the appointment of Mr. Maze

has inflicted mortal injury on the service; and in any

case the office of Inspector General is no easy one in

present circumstances, and Sir Austen Chamberlain considers

that it is better policy to support Mr. Maze rather than to

add to his difficulties by adopting an attitude of mistrust.

With regard to the question referred to by Sir C.

Clementi of the lighting of the China coast, at present

under the charge of the Marine Department of the Customs

Administration, the present position is clearly explained

in the accompanying copy of a confidential memorandum by

Mr.