C
3
forty years, which is said to be necessary in the case of the camphor tree, is uncertain; some connoisseurs assert that they can, others deny it. But one thing is quite certain, that if no attempt is made in that direction, there can be no success.
(Translation.)
I have, &c.
(Signed) G. M. H. PLAYFAIR.
Inclosure 2 in No. 1.
Proposed Camphor Bureau Regulations.
AS camphor is a most important product of Fuhkien Province, the main object of the Camphor Bureau is the protection of an industry of local profit for the benefit of the people, and not the levying of improper exactions. Should any vagabond obstruct the trade by squeezing, the Bureau will instruct the Magistrate of the district to deal with the case.
2. As camphor trees cannot yield camphor for many years after planting, in order to insure the continuance of a lucrative trade hereafter for every camphor tree cut down five shall be planted. In case of disobedience, the Bureau will instruct the Magistrate of the district to investigate the case.
3. Chinese wishing to set up stills in the interior shall first obtain a permit from the Bureau and agree to pay the duties, and the Bureau shall open offices to prevent smuggling and other irregularities. To remove any apprehension on the part of Chinese or foreign merchants that there may be hindrance to the trade, the Bureau has consulted with the foreign Consuls with regard to the inland duty to be levied, and has deputed the Imperial Maritime Customs at the port of shiproent to collect and remit to the local officials the following duties to be used for the replacing of camphor trees and the long continuance of a profitable trade :—
On every 100 catties of camphor
On every 100 catties of camphor oil
1 tael 4 mace
Oil, from which camphor has been extracted, which can only be used for medicinal purposes, shall be free of duty.
4. As the Imperial Maritime Customs at the port of shipment are deputed to collect these duties, there need be no fear of irregularities, and it is therefore unnecessary for distilleries to be licensed, and for the Bureau to establish offices inland for the prevention of smuggling. A central Bureau will be established at Foochow, and will instruct district Magistrates to carry out Rules 1 and 2.
5. Native and foreign merchants buying prepared camphor for transportation from the interior, and fearing delays at the li-kin stations en route, may, on payment of the half-duty, take out a transit pass at the Imperial Maritime Customs in accordance with the Regulations, or they may pay to the Bureau the li-kin due at the first li-kin station and take out a receipt covering the goods, and on arrival at the station the goods will be passed through and li-kin will not again be levied, thus avoiding delay.
6. As camphor is a special local product, the trade in it by both native and foreign merchants should be fostered, and the customs will collect the duties at the port of shipment. Other goods are not affected by these Rules.
(No. 6.) Sir,
Inclosure 3 in No. 1.
Sir J. Jordan to Consul Playfair.
Peking, March 12, 1907.
I HAVE received and carefully considered your despatch No. 4 of the 22nd ultimo, forwarding Rules for the regulation of camphor cultivation and trade in the Province of Fulkien.
In reply, I have to inform you that the Chinese request is one which I regret to be unable to entertain. There is no guarantee that the proceeds of the extra tax of 1 taci per picul, which the Board of Foreign Affairs propose to levy, would be applied to the purpose for which it is asked, and it would, I fear, constitute a precedent that might be cited for imposing new taxes on other articles of foreign trade. The result would practically amount to a modification of the tariff duties.
You should inform the local authorities therefore that, while I sympathize with the object of the proposed new Regulations, I regret that the proposal is inadmissible.
The Japanese Minister whom I have consulted on the matter is of the same opinion as myself.
As his Excellency has promised to support us in resisting any attempt of the Chinese authorities to re-establish a camphor monopoly in Fuhkien, you should, as far as possible, keep in touch with the Japanese Consul.
am, &c.
I
(Signed)
J. N. JORDAN,
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