[This Document is the Property of His Britannic Majesty's Government160
CHINESE LOANS AND CONCESSIONS.
CONFIDENTIAL
[October 11.]
SECTION 2.
[195881]
(No. 248.) Sir,
No. 1.
Mr. Alston to Mr. Balfour.-(Received October 11.)
Peking, August 9, 1917. THE secretary of the International Bankers' Commission at Shangbai has submitted to the Diplomatic Body his report on the maritime customs revenue received and expended on account of the Chinese Loan Service for the quarter ending the 30th June of this year.
The statements show that the total revenue collected from the 1st April to 30th June, 1917, amounted to 9,910,435 2!) taels, as compared with 8,245,282-93 taels collected during the previous quarter. Payment of loan instalments of principal and interest total 4,846,249 10 taels, and all payments due up to the 30th June have been paid off, leaving a balance with the three custodian banks of 5,891,45963 taula.
The instalments of the Boxer indemnity have been paid up to date with the exception of the portions due to Germany and Austria-Hungary. In payment of the instalments due to Austria-Hungary for March, April, aud May, the Deutsch- Asiatische Bank has received compradore orders of the Bank of Chins for 24,166 83 taels, but, acting under instructions from the Austro-Hungarian consulate- The Austrian Minister general in Shanghai, these orders have not been cashed.
has refused to accept the method of payment of the Austro-Hungarian share of the indemnity, or to approve the report.
A balance of 76-77 taels appeared to the credit of the Commissioner of Customs, "Chinese Indemnity Account," on the 30th June, 1917, with the Deutsch-Asiatische Bank.
A considerable saving has been effacted for the Chinese Government owing to the high value of silver, as the loan instalments have been paid at rates varying from 3s. 6d. to 38. 9d. to the tael, as compared with 28. 112, in 1916 and 28. 4d. in 1915.
I have, &c.
B. ALSTON.
[2738 (-2]
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