CHINA TRADE.
CONFIDENTIAL.
No. 1.
[April 9.]
SECTION 3.
222
Sir,
China Association to Foreign Office.-(Received April 9.)
150, Cannon Street, April 8, 1904.
BY Article IX of the Commercial Treaty signed at Shanghae on the 5th September, 1902, the Chinese Government agreed, "within one year from the signing of the Treaty, to initiate and conclude the revision of the existing Mining Regulations." In a letter dated the 22nd August, 1902, you were good enough to forward, for the consideration of this Association, a copy of draft Mining Regulations, drawn up by Mr. Cockburn on a basis prepared by Mr. Currie, of the Indian Public Works Department, and in our reply of the 30th September, 1902, a few small alterations were suggested. The Committee would be glad to learn whether these Regulations have been accepted by the Chinese Government, and whether they form the rules under which mining is to be carried on in China.
As regards coinage, the Committee would be much obliged for information as to how far the Chinese Government has succeeded in its promise to provide for a uniform national coinage, in accordance with Article II of the Treaty of Shanghae.
These measures are included in the portion of the Treaty which has already been ratified, and are not dependent upon the acceptance of similar clauses by other Treaty Powers. They are doubtless receiving due attention from His Majesty's Government, and the Committee of this Association trust that their importance will not cease to be pressed upon the Chinese Government until the promises are fulfilled. If they are allowed to fall into abeyance, the whole of the advantages to be gained by a Treaty made after prolonged negotiations may, in regard to mining, be of no effect.
By Annex 17 of the Protocol of 1901 a River Conservancy Board for the River Whangpo was to be established at Shanghae. The Committee are aware that this matter has received considerable attention from His Majesty's Government, and, if information could be given them, would be glad to learn the present position of negotiations for the fulfilment of this engagement, and whether there is any prospect of carrying it into effect shortly. The necessity for speedy measures being taken to conserve the Whangpo is urgent.
I have, &c. (Signed)
JOSEPH WELCH,
Honorary Secretary.
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