CO129-517-1 Administration and function of Chinese Maritime customs- prevention of smuggling across Chinese frontiers 7-2-1929 - 15-11-1929 — Page 167

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Mr. Maze which has been communicated to this department.

I am to suggest that a copy of this memorandum be

communicated to Sir C. Clementi in strict confidence for

his own personal information.

4. With the acquisition of Tariff autonomy by China

and the immediate prospect of further negotiations for the

conclusion of a commercial treaty based upon the principle

of equality and reciprocity, the future prosperity of

Hongkong will clearly be affected by the nature of the

arrangements which it may be found possible to make in

regard to the future functioning of the Chinese Customs

Administration. In such matters the Administration itself

is likely to be in a position to exercise considerable

influence, and it would be unfortunate if anything

interferted to prevent the relations between the British

Head of the Customs Administration and the British

authorities in the Far East being placed upon a footing of

mutual confidence and support.

I am,

Sir,

Your obedient Servant,

Споткий

F. Ashim. Cowmikin