CO129-372 - Public Offices - 1910 — Page 466

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

[B]

AFFAIRS OF CHINA.

CONFIDENTIAL.

со

24838

[July 26.]

12 AUC 10

SECTION 1.

[26418]

(No. 256.) Sir,

No. 1.

Sir Edward Grey to Mr. Max Müller.

Foreign Office, July 26, 1910. I HAVE received your despatch No. 189 of the 11th ultimo, enclosing the draft of a note which the foreign representatives propose, subject to the assent of their respective Governments, to address to the Wai-wu Pu protesting against the levying of " octroi" by the Chinese authorities on foreign merchandise entering Peking.

I concur generally in the view that although the charge in question is absolutely opposed to our treaty rights, it has been recognised tacitly for so long a time, that the best course will be to endeavour to come to a compromise with the Chinese Government, whereby the tax should be recognised in return for certain guarantees that the privilege should not be abused. I accordingly approve the terms of the

I am, &c.

draft note.

[2827 cc-1]

E. GREY.

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