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written to the Taotai claiming that Hsinmintun had been opened as a trade mart ou the 10th October last, and that the stationing there of a Japanese Consul was proof positive of the existence of a trade mart; therefore no duties or taxes of any kind were payable on the railway line between the Treaty port of Newchwang and the trade mart of Hsinmintun. In reply to the request of the Taotai for instructions, the Viceroy sent the following telegram :-
As
"A large number of trade marts have been recently opened in Manchuria, the majority of which are inland. All goods arriving at those marts have, generally speaking, to pass through the interior on their way from the coast ports. concerns foreign merchants, Treaty provisions must be followed. Whenever foreign goods are taken to the trade marts the import duty must be paid, and whenever foreign goods are sent into the interior transit dues must be paid in addition. No special regulations have at present been adopted for the Manchurian trade marts, and this question of special regulations must be arranged in connection with the whole question of trade marts before anything can be done. The opening of Hsinmintun as a trade mart was notified last year, but no Customs has yet been established there. In future, where foreign goods which have already obtained import duty certificates at the Newebwang Customs are reconsigned to other places which are open marts, the Newchwang Customs authorities must insert on the certificate the name of the mart or destination. When in transit through the interior, Native Customs stations must examine the original packages and goods, and if they are intact will pass them. Upon arrival at their destination, in the case of marts where there are as yet no Customs stations, the goods must be examined by the Native Customs offices already existing, after which, if found correct, they may be opened and sold without further taxation. If the examination discloses any false representation, the penalty will be confiscation of the goods.
"At marts where custom-houses have already been established the goods must be dealt with according to Customs procedure.
"In the case of foreign goods conveyed into the interior from Newchwang, transit dues must be paid according to established rule, and the various Native Customs stations en route will pass the goods after examining the transit certificates. Goods not accompanied by transit certificates will be required to pay internal dues,"
The above instructions were to be carried out by the Taotai while the Viceroy referred the matter to the consideration of the Revenue Council, who, having devoted considerable attention to the question, fully approve the eminently satisfactory method of procedure laid down by the Viceroy in his telegram to the Taotai. The Council, however, consider that a period of one month should be fixed within which the Native Customs stations in the various trade marts shall, after having verified the goods and satisfied themselves that they have not been tampered with, affix their seals and return the certificates to the issuing port to be cancelled, so as to guard against sales
en route.
The Revenue Council having notified the Board of this method of procedure, I have the honour to inform your Excellency accordingly, and avail, &c.
(Signed) Prince CHING.
Confidential.
7
add to f
30276
Hlo
The Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs
presents his compliments to the Under-Secretary of State for
the Colonies
India, and is directed by the Secretary of State for Foreign
Affairs to transmit the accompanying sections of printed confi-
dential correspondence.
Foreign Office,
August 28th, 1904
[ 21 ]
633
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