CO129-552-6 Traffic of arms to China 2-1-1935 - 27-12-1935 — Page 77

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(Aircraft which have no armament do not require a specific

licence on export unless the destination is Abyssinia).

22. The general procedure in connection with export licences

is that application is made to the Board of Trade for the issu

of a licence. The Board then consult the Foreign Office,

and

also the Service Departments in some cases, as to whether a

licence should be issued, and if no objection is received the

licence is given. The licence provides that the owner or

shipper shall, if required by the Customs, produce proof that

the goods were duly delivered at the destination named in the licence. The usual form of licence for war material (Annex F)

which is restricted to exports to foreign governments, has no

time limit on its validity, but is subject to the condition

that it may be modified or revoked at any time by the Board of Trade if they deem it necessary to do so (a) in the interests of Imperial security; or (b) in consequence of any international

agreement to which His Majesty's Government are or may become a party". The alternative form of licence (An ex G) which is

limited in validity to three months and subject to the condition

that it "may be modified or revoked at any time by the Board

of Trade without reason given" is used in those cases in which

it is considered necessary to have a larger measure of control,

e.g

• ;

in the case of dealers in arms. Thus there is effective

control over the export of all arms and ammunition for war

purposes.

Customs Procedure on Exportation.

23. (a) Arms must be entered before shipment under Orders

made by the Board of Customs and Excise under Section 139 of the

Customs Consolidation Act, 1876. Explosives as defined by the

Explosives Act, 1875, must also be pre-entered under the above Section. (Ordinarily the only Customs document required for

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