CO129-522-4 China inland water- river and coastal trade- smuggling by British ships 12-12-1929 - 24-3-1930 — Page 35

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on these ships would be uch more difficult, though perhaps sole thing more might be done in the way of searches here and the insistence upon stricter discipline aboard, but salt, which is s muggled in this region, is not actually contraband in Hong Kong, and the Revenue

Officers are concerned only with opium and dutiable goods such as wines and tobacco. In any case, there is nothing to prevent such ships stopping outside Hong Kong and smuggling stuff on board.

Definite repressive action by the Government Authorities at the source, is the only effective way. Some years ago when opium was being smuggled out of England on Ocean vessels, the eventual deterrent was proved to be stricter legislation in England, whereby the individual with opium in his possession was subject to rigorously enforced legal penalty.

I have the honour to be,

Sir,

Your obedient servant,

(Sga) T.H.R.SHAW.

The Hon. Colonial Secretary.

HONG KNG.