§ 37. Sir A. SINCLAIRasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether Sir Francis Aglen has been reinstated as Controller of the Chinese Maritime Cus- 1375 toms; whether it is intended that the surtaxes imposed by the Peking Government should be collected by the Customs; and whether any interference with the Customs administration is being attempted or threatened by the Canton Government?
§ Sir A. CHAMBERLAINSir Francis Aglen has handed over charge of the Maritime Customs to Mr. Edwardes, the chief secretary, but for a period of one year he will receive the treatment proper to the Inspector-General of Customs. I have no definite information yet as to what arrangements the Peking Government will make for the collection of surtaxes. I understand that the Southern Government dispute the right of the Peking Government to exercise the authority belonging to a Central Government, but I have no knowledge of any interference with the Customs administration having been attempted.