This Document is the Property of His Britannic Majesty's Government.]
390
C. O.
44783
2
[November 14]
15 DEC 08
SECTION 2.
CHINA TRADE.
CONFIDENTIAL.
[39621]
No. 1.
Sir J. Jordan to Sir Edward Grey.-(Received November 14.)
(No. 436.) Sir,
Peking, September 30, 1908. I HAVE the honour to inclose copy of a despatch from the Acting British Consul at Newchwang transmitting a Customs Notification authorizing the export to foreign countries of wheat from the open ports in South Manchuria.
This measure is due, I understand, to a demand by the Japanese Government for equality of treatment with that enjoyed by Russia under her overland trade regulations. The large production of wheat in the province of Kirin was an important factor during the Russo-Japanese war in the provisioning of the Russian army, and led to the establishment of some eighteen well-equipped flour-mills at various places along the railway, and especially at Harbin. Most of these mills are reported to have closed down owing to want of capital, with the result that supplies of grain are left on the market far in excess of the local demand or the needs of Vladivostock.
By exporting this wheat to Japan, it is expected that a lucrative trade may be built up, but I have at the same time heard the opinion expressed that it will be hampered at the outset by the unwillingness of Chinese dealers to reduce the high prices which they have become accustomed to get from the Russian mills, and that the wheat cannot under such circumstances be laid down in the seaports of South Manchuria much less in Japan as cheaply as ready-milled American flour.
The step, however, is one of considerable importance, as indicating a more liberal policy in regard to the export of grain, the restrictions upon which have hitherto seriously hampered the general trade of the country. It has been evident to all observers for some time past that if China succeeds in suppressing the cultivation of the poppy she must necessarily open her ports to the free export of the cereals which are to take its place, and it is fitting that the change should be first made in Manchuria, the portion of the Empire in which the opium prohibition measures have made most progress, and which, from its situation, is best suited for an export trade in grain.
I have, &c.
(Signed)
J. N. JORDAN.
(No. 23.) Sir,
Inclosure 1 in No. 1.
Acting Consul Tebbitt to Sir J. Jordan.
Newchwang, September 15, 1908.
I HAVE the honour to inclose herewith copy of a Notification this day issued by the Chinese Customs authorizing the export of Manchurian wheat from South Manchurian ports by sea, subject to the export Tariff.
I have, &c. (Signed)
R. T. TEBBITT.
Inclosure 2 in No. 1.
Customs Notification No. 10, Newchuang,
NOTICE is hereby given, that wheat grown in Manchuria may be exported to foreign countries by sea on payment of export Tariff duty.
This relaxation of the existing prohibition is of a special nature in consideration of the special conditions of production in Manchuria.
[2020 o-2]
This Document is the Property of His Britannic Majesty's Government.]
390
C. O.
44783
2
[November 142]
15 DEC 08
SECTION 2.
CHINA TRADE.
CONFIDENTIAL.
[39621]
No. 1.
Sir J. Jordan to Sir Edward Grey.-(Received November 14.)
(No. 436.) Sir,
Peking, September 30, 1908. I HAVE the honour to inclose copy of a despatch from the Acting British Consul at Newchwang transmitting a Customs Notification authorizing the export to foreign countries of wheat from the open ports in South Manchuria.
This measure is due, I understand, to a demand by the Japanese Government for equality of treatment with that enjoyed by Russia under her overland trade regulations. The large production of wheat in the province of Kirin was an important factor during the Russo-Japanese war in the provisioning of the Russian army, and led to the establishment of some eighteen well-equipped flour-mills at various places along the railway, and especially at Harhin. Most of these mills are reported to have closed down owing to want of capital, with the result that supplies of grain are left on the market far in excess of the local demand or the needs of Vladivostock.
By exporting this wheat to Japan, it is expected that a lucrative trade may be built up, but I have at the same time heard the opinion expressed that it will be hampered at the outset by the unwillingness of Chinese dealers to reduce the high prices which they have become accustomed to get from the Russian mills, and that the wheat cannot under such circumstances be laid down in the seaports of South Manchuria much less in Japan-as cheaply as ready-milled American flour.
The step, however, is one of considerable importance, as indicating a more liberal policy in regard to the export of grain, the restrictions upon which have hitherto seriously hampered the general trade of the country. It has been evident to all observers for some time past that if China succeeds in suppressing the cultivation of the poppy she must necessarily open her ports to the free export of the cereals which are to take its place, and it is fitting that the change should he first made in Manchuria, the portion of the Empire in which the opium prohibition measures have made most progress, and which, from its situation, is best suited for an export trade in grain.
I have, &c.
(Signed)
J. N. JORDAN.
(No. 23.) Sir,
Inclosure 1 in No. 1.
Acting Consul Tebbitt to Sir J. Jordan.
Newchwang, September 15, 1908.
I HAVE the honour to inclose herewith copy of a Notification this day issued by the Chinese Customs authorizing the export of Manchurian wheat from South Manchurian ports by sea, subject to the export Tariff.
I have, &c. (Signed)
R. T. TEBBITT.
Inclosure 2 in No. 1.
Customs Notification No. 10, Newchuang,
NOTICE is hereby given, that wheat grown in Manchuria may be exported to foreign countries by sea on payment of export Tariff duty.
This relaxation of the existing prohibition is of a special nature in consideration of the special conditions of production in Manchuria.
[2020 o-2]
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