CO129-517-1 Administration and function of Chinese Maritime customs- prevention of smuggling across Chinese frontiers 7-2-1929 - 15-11-1929 — Page 59

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Enclosure No. 1.

Translation of an Order of the Minister of Finance

of the Nationalist Government of the Republic of

China to Ir. F. V. Maze, Inspector General of the

Chinese Maritime Customs.

Since the introduction of the New Import Tariff, merchants resorting to unlawful benefit smuggling has

been growing very extensively, especially in the Hong Kong district, which forms the source of this illegal traffic.

If strict measures are not taken to remedy the situation, the loss to the National Revenue will become very serious. On the occasion of his recent visit to Canton, the

Minister had an interview with the Hong Kong Governor on

this subject who expressed his willingness to do his best

within his territory to co-operate with China in order to

prevent smuggling. The Inspector General is therefore

hereby ordered to devise as soon as possible plans for

the establishment of a preventive service throughout

China; and to go in person to Hong Kong to consult with

the Hong Kong Governor for his co-operation according to the main principles proposed by the Inspector General. A report on what has been accomplished is to be submitted

for consideration.

(Signed) T. V. Soong,

Minister of Finance.

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