No.125.
CONFIDENTIAL
Sir,
IMPORTS AND EXPORTS OFFICE,
HONG KONG, 20th. May 1930.
402
As you are no doubt aware the Chinese Maritime Customs have brought general and sweeping accusations of smuggling against this Colony, it is therefore desirable to know if any definite grounds exist for the allegation that the recent increase of smuggling is so grave as to necessitate drastic steps being taken against Hong Kong shipping bound for Chinese ports.
2. I should be much obliged if you would cause enquiries to be made from your ships as to whether there is in fact any evidence of increased smuggling, either by increased seizures by the Chinese Maritime Customs or any noticeable increase in the amount of "pidgin" cargo carried by members of the crew. Particulars of the steps taken by the Chinese Maritime Customs to prevent the landing of "pidgin" cargo, such as boat patrols, constant visits of rummaging parties etc. would be of great interest, As it appears to be the policy of the Chinese Maritime Customs, if possible, to get ships searched at the point of departure rather than at their destination in China, it is important to have some idea of the measures, if any taken, in practice as apart from theory, in Chinese ports to prevent smuggling.
3. Any information about Chinese owned ships on this question would also be of interest.
Yours truly,
(Sgd) J.D.Lloyd.
Superintendent, Importa and Exports.
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