CO129-517-2 Correspondence on proposed Chinese and Hong Kong agreements over Customs 13-11-1929 - 28-12-1929 — Page 72

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now enjoyed by British trade in the Treaty-ports of China

should be conceded, where necessary, to the Colony's trade.

Furthermore, there remains, if I may be permitted to

this point

say so, the question of "friendly relations" has not been specially stressed by the Nanking Authorities, but, nevertheless, it seems to me to be a factor which, viewed politically, is closely associated with the whole

question. It is clear that organised smuggling in South

China has now developed to an unprecedented extent and

that China's Revenue is seriously affected thereby; and

it is equally obvious that the Maritime Customs cannot

effectively deal with this growing menace to the Revenue

unless we are permitted to function in the manner outlined

in the Agreement.

Finally, if the Hongkong Government have in mind any

other special concession, in addition to those already enumerated, which they desire to obtain, I suggest that

it would be convenient if I receive some indication of its

nature?

Believe me,

Yours sincerely

(Signed) F.W. Maze.