85
is very serious) it is not easy to imagine that the Govern- ments of various countries will be unanimous in opinion, and it is not unlikely that some will oppose and some approve it. At present the position is not yet clear. I do not know if
the Diplomatic Corps will simply notify any decision that
may be made, to the Chinese Government, or refer it to them as a proposal for adoption. In the proposed problem there is no mention or suggestion that the solution would be put to the Chinese Government for their approval. The various countries have different points of view. Some treat it as an ordinary question, while others consider it very serious. I am one of the latter, and believe that it is a really serious problem, for it is not a local question but one affecte ing the general position, and will be a new basis for the various countries in all their diplomatic dealing with China. I am not clear if Great Britain in making the proposal desires to preserve her sovereignty over the Customs. Nor can I say for certain if she desires to have the surtax of 5% and 21% already levied by the Canton Government, enforced throughout China. For the present let us put aside the details of the question and consider if it can be put into practice in the North. On my part I believe that it can. After all I think Article 3 of the Customs Regulations made at the Washington Conference should be taken as the basis for the solution of the Chinese Customs question. Japan has all the time respect- ed the resolutions of the Washington Conference, and will ad- here to this attitude until further resolutions have been made at a re-opened Customs Conference. But in view of the present circumstances, it is not easy to convene such a conference again. Though China has already made an official demand on the 16th., yet the Diplomatic Corps has not yet had an inter- change of views on the subject, and therefore no definite re- solution has been made. Again I do not know if any reply will be given, for the despatch was not mentioned at the Conference
of