CO129-521-14 Chinese Customs- proposed agreement with Hong Kong 31-10-1930 - 10-1-1931 — Page 55

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(b)

(c)

4.

the Chinese Government was opposed.

the wording of Article V, providing for

the Commissioner investigating the work

of the seconded officers.

a proposed addition to article XV, providing that "the Commissioner of

Chinese Customs shall be at liberty, should occasion so arise, to request the Hong Kong Government to authorize Chine se revenue vessels

to function in Hong Kong waters".

As regards (b), while accepting the principle of giving the Commissioner facilities for keeping himself acquainted with the work of the seconded employees, I was of opinion that the wording, as submitted, might lead to friction.

5. As to (c), the proposal was in my opinion entirely opposed to the general principle of the draft, and could not be accepted. Although it would be open to the Hong Kong authorities to refuse to accede to such a request, the proposed addition,

if it

had any meaning at all, obviously contemplated a right to make the request, and the refusal to concede it would almost certainly lead to friction.

6. I discussed these points fully with Mr. Maze, and after consulting my advisers, submitted an amended preamble and alternative wording for Articles V and XV. These were further discussed by Mr. Maze

As the Minister and myself and finally agreed to.

of Finance, Mr. T.V. Soong, happened, whether

fortuitously or otherwise, to be in Hong Kong, the draft, as agreed upon, vas submitted to him by

Mr. Maze