[This Document is the Property of His Britannic Majesty's Government.] 210
4
would be in the best interests both of the Chinese Government and of the Governments which they represent.
With a view to expediting the consideration of such requests in the future, my colleagues would be glad if the Wai-chiao Pu would arrange that each application for release should be accompanied by an official statement showing the condition of the revenue and the total available surplus at date.
BEELAERTS VAN BLOKLAND.
CHINESE LOANS AND CONCESSIONS.
[6728]
CONFIDENTIAL.
No. 1.
[January 11,]
SECTION 1,
Sir J. Jordan to Mr. Balfour.-(Received January 11.)
(No. 30.) (Telegraphic.)
Peking, January 10, 1918. YOUR telegram No. 472 of 29th November: Salt Gabelle. I arranged with Minister for Foreign Affairs for an exchange of notes on the subject. In reply, therefore, to a written enquiry which I put to him 8th January, he states in a letter dated yesterday that he has been informed by Minister of Finance that post of deputy chief inspector has been already abolished and that it will not be recreated in future except on joint recommendations of chief inspectors with approval of Minister of Finance.
Above assurance seems perfectly satisfactory and should remove all possible apprehensions.
[2764 -1]