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opinion is that the bargain proposed in this agreement
is a good one, that the advantages to this Colony
are considerable, and that even the functioning of
the Chinese Maritime Customs in Hong Kong, if it
successfully prevents smuggling, will be beneficial
to this Colony. There is no doubt that the recent
increase in Chinese tariffs and the fact that Hong
Kong is a free port must be an inducement to
smugglers to use this Colony as a base for their
operations. It is not to the advantage of Hong Kong
that this should be so, for it will give the Colony
a bad name and must inevitably cause friction between
the Hong Kong Government and the Chinese authorities.
I,therefore, welcome the proposed agreement quite
apart from the additional facilities which it would
obtain for Hong Kong trade.
11.
I may add that on the 28th July, Mr. Maze
visited Macao and initiated with the Acting Governor
negotiations similar to those which he began with me.
He tells me that his impression is that Macao will
follow the lead of Hong Kong in this matter.
I have the honour to be,
My Lord,
Your Lordship's most obedient, humble servant
Governor &c.,
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