65
I am exhibiting the list of restricted articles in the Custom
House under a simple
2.
ustoms "NoticeTM)
Resumtion of Normal Customs Activities
I append copy of "perintendent'e"dea pe teh No. 58,
aantory Departent of
transmitting instructions from the
the wangtung Political Council that the Canton Customs is
to reaume its normal activities on 20th April.
3.
Introduction of "Fariff of 1938"
- append copy of "Superintendent's" des atoh No. 54,
transmitting instructions from the repa ́atory Depatment of
the wang tung
olitical Council that the "Import Tariff of
the deublic of China to be enforced Zrom June 1938" is to be
applied from 30th pril 1:40, but that the present export and
Interport Tariff: are to oont: nue to be applied. I have done
everything possible to prevent the intruction of the "Tariff
been or 1938 but have/informed by the Japanese onsulate that ser-
ious comsequences to the Customs would follow my refusal to
act as instructed. I find myself obliged to yield to this
threat of fonde majeure, and, after protest, shall have no
ontion but to a ply the "Import Tariff of 1938".
onelusion
The "first step" in the "re-opening" of the river
in of little practical benefit to trade. The number of vessels
permitted to ope ate will not be increased, nor will they be
permitted to trade comstwise or abroad. The port of Whampoa
remains outside Customs control, and the Japanese "transporte"
may continue to import and export commercial cargo free of
Customs duty. Merchants will have to secure permission to
apply to the Custom for practically all movements of cargo.
On the other hand, the Customs will resume control
of cargo (to a limited degree), and merchants will presumably be able to import and export certain cargo which, hitherto,
has been almost impossible to move.
the first step" is a short one. I hope it will
be followed by a much longer stride!
Your a
Yours truly
(agd.) L.K. Little