CO129-540-13 Proposal by Chinese Government to establish vice-consulate in Hong Kong 6-6-1932 - 30-12-1932 — Page 102

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(F 6330/5423/10)

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Decode.

Mr. Ingram (Peking).

August 22nd 1932.

D. Wireless

August 22nd 1932.

R. 6.30 p..

August 22nd 1938.

No. 533. (R).

103

Hongkong telegram No.174 to Colonial Office.

I entirely concur in reasons for deprecating

appointment of Chinese Consul at Hongkong though it may

be difficult to put them in so many words to Chinese

Government.

2. Idea that Chinese Commissioner of Customs should

function over consular invoices seems worth pursuing.

If request for consular representation at Hongkong has

been advanced solely in connexion with these invoices

would it not be possible to tell Chinese Minister plainly

that existence of Commissioner of Customs at Hongkong

who is eminently qualified to undertake the task renders

appointment of Consul unnecessary?

3. My French colleague tells me that government

of Indo-China while refusing appointment of Chinese

Consular Officer for the purpose of invoices has no

objection to the task being undertaken by local Chinese

Chember of Commerce. Article 15, detailed enforcement

of rules for issue of Consular invoices by Chinese

Consulates abroad - see enclosure to my despatch No.1003

of/