CO129-361 - Public Offices - 1909 — Page 297

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Sunmuroved s'ylaojaM olndaliiä sill to ghaqor¶ 9d3 ai inomwao¤ zisT

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

CHINA TRADE,

CONFIDENTIAL.

295

C.O. 16121

[April 28.]

SECTION 1.

[16037]

NOGI 13 MAY OF

Mr. Carter to Sir Edward Grey-(Received April 28.)

Sir,

American Embassy, London, April 27, 1909. WITH reference to Mr. Reid's note to you of the 24th ultimo respecting the request on the part of China that the Treaty Powers, in order to facilitate financial reform in that Empire, should appoint Delegates to discuss the abolition of the li-kin and the increase of the Customs Tariff, under telegraphic instructions I have the honour to state that my Government earnestly hopes that the subject is receiving the careful consideration and attention of His Majesty's Government, and that they sympathize with China in her desire to overcome her many and diverse financial difficulties.

By requesting the appointment of Delegates to discuss the abolition of the li-kin, China has expressed her readiness to implement the provisions of the British Treaty of 1902 and of the American and Japanese Treaties of 1903. It would seem to my Government that a full and frank discussion of the proposed measures by the Repre- sentatives of the Chinese Government and the Treaty Powers would be best calculated to attain the desired end. Both the French and Russian Governments are disposed to regard favourably the principle involved. The acceptance of the Chinese proposal by the Powers which have already approved the suggested changes in Customs adminis- tration would seem the natural and appropriate manner in which to inaugurate the contemplated discussion, a successful termination of which should so greatly improve the present conditions.

My Government therefore ventures to express the hope that His Majesty's Govern- ment may find it possible to designate an official for this purpose, and by such action encourage acquiescence in the proposal of China by the other Powers concerned.

have, &c. (Signed) J. R. CARTER.

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