}
[This Document is the Property of His Britannic Majesty's Government.]
AFFAIRS OF CHINA.
CONFIDENTIAL.
[23854]
No. 1.
Foreign Office to Board of Trade.
[July 7.]
SECTION 1.
Sír,
Foreign Office, July 7, 1910.
I AM directed by Secretary Sir Edward Grey to transmit to you, to be laid before the Board of Trade, the accompanying copy of a despatch which has been received from Mr. Max Müller, His Majesty's chargé d'affaires at Peking,* enclosing the draft of a note which the foreign representatives propose, subject to the assent of their respective Governments, to address to the Wai-wu Pu, protesting against the levying of “octroi by the Chinese authorities on foreign merchandise entering Peking.
You will observe that although the charge in question is absolutely opposed to treaty rights, the foreign representatives are of opinion that, as the existence of the "octroi " has been recognised tacitly for so long a time, the best course would be to endeavour to come to a compromise with the Chinese Government, whereby the tax should be officially recognised in return for certain guarantees that the privilege should not be abused.
Sir E. Grey concurs generally in the above view, and, subject to your concurrence, proposes to approve the terms of the draft note.
I am, &c.
F. A. CAMPBELL.
* Mr. Max Muller, No. 189, June 11, 1910.
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