(Copy) M.682
(Copy of letter)
AF C
CO
2150
GEOK 29 JAN 30)
Shanghai, 4th December, 1895.
Passenger Regulations.
562
We enclose copy of a letter we have addressed to the China Association, which explains itself.
When the question was first mooted last year the information we received from our Consul was such that we did not think any further steps would be taken. He told us privately that he had reported strongly against the proposed Regulations, and that he did not think there was any chance of their becoming law. It would appear, however, as if the Government were pressing the matter, and there is grave danger of the whole thing being settled without those interested having any chance of objecting.
The intention is to apply the Regulations at all ports and on all routes, even such as between Chefoo and Tientsin, and Chefoo and Newchwang.
We think that an immediate protest should be made at home against the imposition of any such Regulations. Under the present conditions of trade in China they could not be enforced upon all nationalities, while if imposed upon British vessels only, our passenger trade would