3037).
389
AMERICAN EMBASSY,
LONDON,
April 7th, 1909.
Sir:-
With reference to Mr. Reid's Note to you of the
24th ultimo respecting the request on the part of China,
that the Treaty Powers, in order to facilitate finan-
cial reform in that Empire, should appoint delegates
to discuss the abolition of the likin and the increase
of the Customs Tariff, under telegraphic instructions
I have the honour to state that my Government earnestly
hopes that the subject is receiving the careful con-
sideration und attention of His Majesty's Government
and that they sympathize with China in her desire to
overcome her many and diverse financial difficulties.
By requesting the appointment of delegates to dis-
cuss the abolition of the likin, China has expressed
>
her readiness to implement the provisions of the Brit-
1sh Treaty of 1902, and of the American and Japanese
Treaties
fr Edward Grey, Bart., M.P.,
&c.,
&C..
&c;