that they are opposed by both the Central and the Provincial Governments, and remain inoperative.
In the preamble to Article VIII (Li-kin Abolition) the Chinese Government recognizes that the levying of li-kin and other dues on goods in transit, &c., impedis the free circulation of "commodities and injures the interests of trade. It is a matter of common knowledge that during the past two years the li-kin dues have been increased in every direction, and the delays and obstructions in the levying of these dues multiplied; the use of transit passes has been obstructed in every possible way, and illegal exactions ou goods so protected demanded at every important barrier.
Judging the Chinese Government, therefore, by their acts rather than by their pious opinions, it is obvious that the impeding of the free circulation of commodities and the injuring of the interests of trade are the main objects they have in view. These objects are not only opposed to the spirit and letter of the Treaty of Shanghae, but, coupled with the opposition to currency, mining, and inland navigation reforms, indicate a want of good faith and a cynical disregard of Treaty engagements, which are remarkable even in the history of China.
The Committee of the China League associate themselves with the representations now put forward, the more readily, as they cannot but admire the patience and self- restraint of the British trading community in China, which, for two years, has witnessed the persistent abrogation of all the stipulations which affect its interests and the extension of obstructions and illegal exactions on its trade.
I am to express an earnest hope that the above considerations and statements will receive the early and serious attention of His Majesty's Government, and that some steps will be taken to amend what is practically a menace and an injury to British interests.
I have, &c.
(Signed)
A. R. BURKILL,
Hon. Sectiary,
[This Document is the Property of His Britannic Majesty's Government]
CONFIDENTIAL
C.0.
548
18069 [May 12.] RECE [RECTION MAY 05
CHINA TRADE.
No. 1.
Question asked in the House of Commons, May 12, 1905.
Mr. Moon,--To ask the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether, in view of the fact that a number of British merchants have telegraphed from China to the Secretary of State, representing that the Government of China ignores the Mackay Treaty, rendering the same ineffective in most essentials, and that the Government of China actively opposes the stipulations of that Treaty as to currency, mining taxation, and navigation, His Majesty's Government intend to take action in reference to this representation.
Answer.
On the receipt of the representation referred to a telegram was addressed to His Majesty's Minister at Peking, requesting him to obtain from the signatories a detailed statement of the matters which form the subject of their complaint, and which will receive the careful attention of His Majesty's Government.
[1977 m 21
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