CO129-517-1 Administration and function of Chinese Maritime customs- prevention of smuggling across Chinese frontiers 7-2-1929 - 15-11-1929 — Page 49

:

48

10. From the point of view of this Consulate there is

no doubt that if the proposed Agreement is concluded it

would go far to prevent smuggling from Hongkong and the

friction and the damage to British interests which unchecked

smuggling working to annul the effect of our new Tariff

Treaty would cause. In this connection the Committee of the

Canton British Chamber of Commerce fully endorses my view

that it would be greatly to the advantage of respectable

British merchants and, in the long run, of the British

manufacturer, if smuggling from Hongkong on the scale which

has set in since the new Chinese tariff were effectively

prevented. I append copy of their reply to a letter from

me asking confidentially for their considered opinion on

Amoy despatch No. 23 of the 17th June last describing the

effects of the recent great increase of smuggling on

British trade in the treaty-ports.

11. I understand that if he succeeds in concluding a

satisfactory Agreement with the Government of Hongkong,

Mr. Maze intends to endeavour to negotiate similar Agree-

ments with the Governments of Macao and Kwan chowwan

which are also great smuggling centres.

I have, etc.,

(sa) G. 3. Moss.

Acting Consul-General.

•