302
This Document is the Property of His Britannic Majesty's Government.]
AFFAIRS OF CHINA.
CONFIDENTIAL.
CO.
14802
RECEIVED [September 27.]
SECTION 2.
Rec 5 DEC 06
No. 1.
Sir J. Jordan to Sir Edward Grey.--(Received September 27.)
[32634]
(No. 175.)
(Telegraphic.) P.
CUSTOMS' Decree.
My immediately preceding telegram.
Peking, September 26, 1906.
A copy of the Circular, which is dated the 22nd September, has been furnished me by Sir Robert Hart.
The circumstances connected with the establishment of the new Revenue Council are first recited, after which the Circular states that on two separate occasions, the 12th and 15th May last, it was explained to the Inspector-General by the two Controllers that work should proceed as before. He is now, the Circular continues, authorized by them to circulate the intimation as an order for the general information of the Service. Further, the Inspector-General will have with the Revenue Council the same relations which he had with the Board of Foreign Affairs, and, speaking generally, his duties will follow the same lines, while the Commissioners and Staff at the ports will also continue in the same relation to the Inspector-General and continue to work just as before. The apprehensions which have been expressed since the 9th May, when the Customs Edict appeared, should be dispelled by this explanation; the Circular consequently admonishes the members of the Service against the origination or circulation of hypothetical fears and disturbing rumours by which public comment might be provoked. The Circular concludes by promising that the considerate and liberal treatment shown in the past shall still be accorded to the Service.
Satisfactory though the terms of the Circular apparently are, I am of opinion either that its publication should be authorized by the Chinese Government, or that a copy should be sent to the Legation officially.
[2146 dd 2]