[This Document is the Property of His Britannic Majesty's Government.]
[B]
AFFAIRS OF CHINA.
CONFIDENTIAL.
со
24838
[July 26.]
12 AUC 10
SECTION 1.
[26418]
(No. 256.) Sir,
No. 1.
Sir Edward Grey to Mr. Max Müller.
Foreign Office, July 26, 1910. I HAVE received your despatch No. 189 of the 11th ultimo, 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.
I concur generally in the view that although the charge in question is absolutely opposed to our treaty rights, it has been recognised tacitly for so long a time, that the best course will be to endeavour to come to a compromise with the Chinese Government, whereby the tax should be recognised in return for certain guarantees that the privilege should not be abused. I accordingly approve the terms of the
I am, &c.
draft note.
[2827 cc-1]
E. GREY.
463