CO129-521-12 Chinese Customs- proposed agreement with Hong Kong 2-4-1930 - 16-6-1930 — Page 172

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Section 51 of the Merchant Shipping Act, 1906, and

if, as a result of such an Inquiry, it is clear

that the boat is not owned and controlled by Pritish nationals or a Fritish Corporation, to institute

proceedings for the forfeiture of the vessel.

Thilst the American Delegation wore still

in London, the Foard discussed with them the practical

stea to secure tue necessary close workin, liaison

between their officials on this Department, and as the

Board assume that the Secretary of State will wish to

secure the rigid application of the local lawa in the

Bananas to the ships engaged in this trade and would

probably wish to inform the Governor of the Bahamas

of the action taken by this Department, I am to state that the following provisional arrangements have been

made:

1.

2.

3.

4.

The United States Consul-General has deputed 'r

Macatee an official in nis Department to undertake all enquiries which the "nited States authorities desire to make in the nited Kingdom in connection with vessels and peracna known, or believed, to be engaged in the traffic.

The United States authorities in Vashington will communicate to the Board and to ir. Eacatee as early as possible the list of the British vessels known to be engaged in the carriage of liquor to bo smuggled into the United States.

Steps will then be taken to examine very closely tué registration of these ships witu a view to the institution of proceedings wherever this appears necessary and wherever satisfactory evidence can be obtained. It is hoped that it will prove possible to proceed against a few of the worst cases.

Mr Macatoo was been introduced to, and will

communicate direct with:

(a) The Registrar-General of Shipping and Seamen

on all questions relating to the registra- tion of ships - certifiel copies of documents are to be provided, wherever desired, at the usual charges, and

(b) The Deputy Registrar of Joint Stock Companies

as to the sharehol lers in Trilish Companies registered as the owners of any of the ship engaged in this trade certified copies of documente are to be provided, wherever desirel, at the usual charges.

5.