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On ... of War, and money paid on account, a period of thirty days is allowed before the prohibition will come into force (17th Sept.), but at the expiration of this time it is announced that all Japanese goods imported by Chinese merchants will be confiscated.
"The proclamation does not purport to be published under the authority of the Peking Government or of the Viceroy, but appears to have been issued on the responsibility of the Likin Office.
As the proclamation is addressed to Chinese merchants only, and has not been communicated to me officially, I have not taken any notice of it. The German Consul wrote to enquire of the Viceroy whether the Proclamation had been published by authority; and in the reply His Excellency stated that the prohibition did not affect foreign merchants, and that the importation of merchandise by foreigners would not be interfered with unless instructions were received from Peking.
I have to ...
(P) Byron Brenan, Consul.