CO129-372 - Public Offices - 1910 — Page 89

C087

This Document is the Property of His Britannic Majesty's Governmen5898

AFFAIRS OF CHINA.

CONFIDENTIAL.

[15172]

No. 1.

RECO

REGS 27 MAY 10

[May 3.]

SECTION 1.

(No. 213.) Sir,

Sir A. Nicolson to Sir Edward Grey.-(Received May 3.)

St. Petersburgh, April 29, 1910. THE differences between the Russian and Chinese Governments in regard to the navigation on the Sungari River have led the Russian Government to take certain measures, which are explained in the "Novoe Vremya." The paper gives a short historical summary of the question, and refers in the first place to the Treaty of Aigun, which limited the navigation of the rivers Sungari, Amur, and Ussuri to Russia and China. This stipulation was subsequently confirmed by article 18 of the St. Petersburgh Treaty of the 12th (25th) February, 1881 which also laid down that special regulations were to be drawn up by both Governments for shipping and trade on those three rivers. These regulations have not yet been drawn up, but in June of last year the Chinese Government of their own accord established regulations for shipping on the Sungari River which restricted the freedom of navigation for Russian vessels. The Russian Government at once protested, and requested the appointment of a mixed commission to elaborate final regulations in accordance with article 18 of the St. Petersburgh Treaty. At the same time the Russian Government agreed to submit to the Chinese regulations till the 18th June (1st July), 1910. The joint commission was appointed three months ago, but was not able to arrive at any agreement. It appears that the Chinese Government do not admit that the Aigun Treaty has any binding force, as they allege that it has been superseded by the Portsmouth Treaty. The Russian Government, wrongly, according to the "Novoe Vremya," agreed to the Chinese Government collecting dues on Russian shipping and paying these into the Chinese customs. The Russian Government have now, tardily, recognised their error, according to the "Novoo Vremya," and have issued instructions that Russian vessels navigating the Sungari are to pay the dues into the Russo-Chinese Bank. If, by the 18th June (1st July), 1910, the Chinese Government have not come to an agreement with Russia on the question the dues will be returned to those who have paid them.

I have, &c.

A. NICOLSON.

[2751 c-]

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