CO129-343 - Public Offices & Foreign Office - 1907 — Page 412

This Document is the Property of His Britannic Majesty's Government.]

C.O.

406

CHINA TRADE,

CONFIDEΝΕΤΑΙ..

9119

[February 23.]

RECE SECTION 12 MAR 07.

(6032]

(No. 23.) Sir,

No. 1.

Sir J. Jordan to Sir Edward Grey.--(Received February 23.)

Peking, January 9, 1907. IN

my despatch No. 542 of the 24th December of last year, I had the honour to report that the Diplomatic Body were considering the question raised by the Newchwang General Chamber of Commerce as to the difficulties under which that port laboured, in comparison with Tien-tsin, in passing cargo through Chin-wang-Tao during the winter months.

At a meeting of the foreign Representatives on the 5th January, it was agreed to address a note to Prince Ch'ing, copy of which I have the honour to inclose, requesting the Chinese Government to modify the present arrangements at Chin-wang-Tao, so that cargo for Newchwang may receive the same treatment as is accorded to cargo for Tien-tsin.

I have not yet brought forward in a formal manner the suggestion that Chin-chou- Fu should be opened as a winter harbour for Newchwang, as my American colleague, whom I have consulted on the point, is inclined to doubt its suitability for the purpose, and it seems advisable to have fuller information before moving in the matter.

Your Highness,

Inclosure in No. 1.

I bave, &c.

(Signed) J. N. JORDAN.

Doyen of Diplomatic Body to Prince Ch'ing.

January 1907. THE Consular Body at Newchwang have communicated to the Diplomatic Body at Peking the copy of a letter which has been addressed to them by the Newchwang General Chamber of Commerce, drawing attention to the fact that merchandize destined for Newchwang in the winter, and imported via Chin-wang Tao, has to be examined at Chin-wang Tao and pay duty there, plus one-half duty, the latter being refunded when the cargo is reported to have reached Newchwang; while merchandize destined for Tien-tsin in the winter, and imported viâ Chin-wang Tao, is not subjected to examination or the levy of duty till it reaches Tien-tsin.

The merchants of Newchwang complain of this differential treatment of the two Treaty ports, which practically prohibits them from engaging in export or import business viâ Chin-wang Tao, and they beg that the matter may receive consideration.

It appears to the foreign Representatives that the two Treaty ports of Newchwang and Tien-tsin should receive equal treatment in the import and export of merchandize during the winter months; and they trust that the Chinese Government will see its way to modify the present arrangements, and to pass cargo for Newchwang through Chin-wang-Tao without examination or the levy of duty until it arrives at the Treaty port to which it is consigned.

I avail myself of this opportunity to renew to your Highness the assurance of my highest consideration.

[2367

--- $

-2]