CO129-521-12 Chinese Customs- proposed agreement with Hong Kong 2-4-1930 - 16-6-1930 — Page 72

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PARARINA Z TELEGRAM from the Jovernor of Hong Kong to the

Secretary of state for the Colonies.

Dated 17th May, 1930.

(Received

Colonial Office 9.55 a.m.

17th May,

1930)

Addressed to Secretary of state for Colonies No. 34

of 17th AV. Repeated to A.M.Minister No. ✪ Begins. Secret. Hong Kong-China Customs Agreement. H.M. Minist r's telegram to Foreign Office No. 166. in 57

After having read files and discussed the question with my advisers I find myself entirely opposed to suggested

agreement.

I consider it to be most/desirable to allow China

to operate a preventive service in the waters of the colony. I strongly recommend that as conditions set on by us in draft agreement are unacceptable to chinase Government

proposed agreement be dropped.

I am however anxious to

assist China in prevention of smuggling and suggest that the scheme referred to in Southom's telegram of 20th February be offered. If it is accepted generally details can be worked

out with aze or his representative here. No effective argument has been put forward against it and I conclude that

with genuine co-operation with Chinese

be made a success.

authorities it can

(8)

Onus must lie on chine if she refuses to

accept this offer which is made with wish to assist her.

after discus ing these proposals with my advisers

including Kemp (late Attorney General) all of whom agreed, I

put them on 14th May before a conference attended by certain

officials, two chinese members of the Council, Chow and

Kotewall,