CO129-517-1 Administration and function of Chinese Maritime customs- prevention of smuggling across Chinese frontiers 7-2-1929 - 15-11-1929 — Page 177

185 END

THE HONGKONG TELEGRAPH,

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 4, 1929.

MARSHAL CHIANG &

THE CUSTOMS.

CHINA'S ECONOMIC BONDAGE TO BE BROKEN.

COMPLETE CONTROL?

Nanking, Feb. 2.

Marshal Chiang Kai-shek, the President of the National Govern- ment, took advantage of the cele- brations yesterday on the enforce- ment of the new tariff schedule, to address a large gathering on foreign relations.

a

Marshal Chiang said that with- in one year China will be in position to regain full control of the Customs service, and said that the National Government was to be congratulated on their courage and persistence in overcoming the difficulties attaching to the nego- tiations with the Powers.

He urged the Chinese people to strive for the success of the Chi- nese demand for control of the Customs at the end of the year, remarking that unless the country gave its whole-hearted support to the present regime, much of the value of their present efforts would be lost.

Marshal Chiang concluded by stating that the complete control of the Maritimes Customs would finally break the economic bond which has harnessed China for efforts many years. If their proved successful, China could look forward to an era of peace and prosperity.