26 pris
at
C.O.
42208
PEKING,
October 16th, 1908.
17 NOV 08
226
$161.
138791)
Sir:-
With reference to my despatch No.11 of the 6th January on the subject of Chinese currency, I have the honour to enclose herewith translations of an Imperial Decree issued on October 5th, and of the memorial of the Government Council upon which it was based, ordaining the introduction of an uniform silver currency throughout the Empire, of which a coin weighing one K'u P'ing or Treasury Tael is to be the unit.
That China has decided to institute a national silver currency before proceeding further towards the adoption of a gold standard appears to be universally approved, but the selection of the tael, rather than the dollar, as the unit of value has come as a surprise to many.
According to the memorial of the Government Council, eleven provinces
Sir Edward Grey, Bart., M.P.,
&c.,
&c., &c.
voted