CO129-470 - Public Offices - 1921 — Page 219

Paraphrase of telegram No.1 from Mr. Jamieson,

Shameez, January 15th, 1921.

217

Numbered 3 the following has been sent to Peking today,

Telegram No. 28 of September 2-1918 from me.

Telegrama 25 and 26 from you dated September 5th and

9th respectively by which Foreign Office telegram 484 of

1918 was transmitted with reference to seizure of Canton

Customs House.

Commissioner of Customs was sent for this morning by

Wutingfang and was informed by him that as Mandate would

shortly be issued in the terms of which administration of

Maritime Customs at Canton would be taken over by Southern

Government, Nɔ interference could be made with Foreign

Staff but the South would receive revenue and Southern

proportion estimates at 13% for service of loans would

eventually be handed over. A request would also be made for

an appointment of Deputy Inspector General for co-operation

with Southern dovernment,

The Commissioner answered that great resentment would

be worked by such an action on the part of Powers who

were interested and bondholders and that it was impossible

for him to allow his remittances to Shanghai to . be

interfered with.

Wutingfang hinted that it was unlikely the point

would be reconsidered but that he would again consult his

colleagues.

He is most anxious you should communicate immediately

with Inspector General în oase the message which he is

telegraphing to him is delayed.

Should claims to be introduced bs, in view of above,

modified or am I to act on lines approved in 1918.

I/