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in which some real assistance might be afforded to the con- panies, although I think it would be a matter for tas For- eign Office rather than for you. The provision in the Chinese law, which makes the shipowner liable to a fine if smuggling takes place from his snip, appears to be applied by the Chinese with undue severity. Practically every Cus- toms authority in the world nas similar legsl powers, hut wa it is most exceptional to find any authority which en- forces its powers unless there is strong evidence that the shipowner or the responsible officers of the ship have been concerned in the act of smuggling, or unless there has been gross lack of supervision.
The snipowners in Hong Kong are in a cleft stick. They wish to nave some influence brought to bear upon tae Chinese to secure more reasonable treatment and, at the same time, they fear lest any too great pressure may prejudice
their business.
If there is anything more you can do to assist I am sure you will earn the gratitude of the shipping commun- ity; and if I may inform them that you are keeping the mat- ter still in mind I am sure that there will be no efforts made to ask unnecessary questions in the House.
Yours sincerely,
Muan
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