[This Document is the Property of His Britannic Majesty's Government.]
AFFAIRS OF CHINA.
CONFIDENTIAL,
[9637]
[March 12.]
SECTION 2.
241
No. 142.
Question asked in the House of Commons, March 12, 1908.
Mr. Nuttall,-To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, whether, in view of the fact that at Tien-tsin, the second in importance among China Treaty ports, the British post office will be closed unless the Chamber of Commerce guarantees the financial deficit, and in view of the fact that the British post offices at Hankow, Chefoo, and Canton are maintained without merchants being required to contribute to the working expenses, His Majesty's Government will undertake the charge, in order to assist our commerce and maintain the same status for England as that established by Germany, France, and Russia at that port.
Answered by Mr. Churchill,
The question of the maintenance of these postal agencies is now being discussed between the Colonial Office and the Treasury, and the point raised by the honourable Member will receive consideration.
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