[This Document is the Property of His Britannic Majesty's Government.]
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CHINA TRADE.
CONFIDENTIAL.
[December 28.]
SECTION 3.
[42360]
(No. 539.) Sir,
No. 1.
Sir J. Jordan to Sir Edward Grey.-(Received December 28.)
Peking, November 14, 1907. I HAVE the honour to inclose copies of Memoranda exchanged with the Wai-wn Pu regarding the export of rice from the Province of Human to Japan.
The export of rice to a foreign country is not allowed under the Tien-tsin Treaty Rules of Trade, 1858, and Article XIV of the Commercial Treaty of 1902 lays down the conditions under which the Chinese Government may prohibit the shipment of grain from port to port in China.
When representations were made to His Majesty's Consul-General at Hankow by the Chinese authorities, at the request of the Japanese Minister who was travelling in the Yang-tsze Valley, I was at first inclined to think that if China was in a position to help Japan with rice for famine relief, the embargo against shipment from port to port should also be removed.
I was then approached by the Japanese Chargé d'Affaires, who explained to me more fully the limitations under which the proposed export was to be carried out, and I consented, as an act of friendliness to his Government, to raise no objection to the proceeding.
I have, &c.
(Signed) J. N. JORDAN,
Inclosure 1 in No. 1.
Memorandum communicated by Wai-wu Pu to Sir J. Jordan.
IN consequence of the recent floods in Japan the Japanese Chargé d'Affaires, M. Abé, has made representations at this Boari, proposing that purchases of rice for famine relief should be made in Hanan. The Board have pointed out that in view of the Treaty prohibition against the export of rice, they are unable to give their consent. But the Tsung-li Yamên formerly notified Japan that, in the event of a failure of the annual crop, they would authorize the consideration of the question of purchase for export. Therefore a telegraphic correspondence has been passing between the Viceroy and Governor of Hupei and Hunan and the Board with a view to the export of a small quantity, if circumstances permit, so as to do the utmost to help neighbours in distress. It is no more than a temporary measure of an exceptional nature, and the circumstances are other than those contemplated under Article XIV of the Mackay Treaty. Moreover, it does not amount to a complete raising of the embargo, which. would be at variance with Treaty provisions.
On this question of rice export the Japanese Chargé d'Affaires, M. Abé, has verbally informed us that he has come to a clear understanding with your Excelleney that if the subjects of all countries were permitted to purchase the rice for export at Changsha for Japan only, and the amount were limited to 300,000 piculs, and the export permits were endorsed by the Japanese authorities and returned for cancellation within a specified time with a penalty in case the limit were passed, to such a procedure no nationality could object, and there would be no violation of Treaty.
The question was under discussion when your Excellency arrived at the Board,
and the proposal as set forth above was discussed with you verbally.
This Memorandum has been prepared for your Excellency's information, and the Board requests the favour of a reply.
November 1, 1907.
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