Mr. Denby to Mr.
Olney.
Legation of the United States,
Peking, August 27, 1896.
(Received Oct. 6.)
No. 2585.]
Sir: I have the honor to inclose a translation
of a communication from the Tsung-li Yamên, wherein it informs me that
under the sixth article of the Shimonoseki treaty, Shashih, Chungking,
Soochow, and Hangchow are to be opened as treaty ports, and that
regulations will be drawn up later.
The ports of Soochow and Hangchow will be opened the 26th proximo.
I have sent a copy of this communication to the consul-general, and have
instructed him to notify American merchants of the contents thereof.
I have, etc.,
[Page 99]
[Inclosure in No. 2585.]
The Tsung-li Yamên to
Mr. Denby.
Peking, August 23,
1896.
No. 31.]
Your Excellency: By the sixth article of
the Shimonoseki treaty between China and Japan, Shashih, Chungking,
Soochow, and Hangchow are to be opened as treaty ports, so that
trade may be carried on. As to Chungking and Shashih regulations
will be drawn up later.
The inspector-general of customs has been instructed to order the
commissioner at Shanghai, Soochow, and Hangchow to draw up
regulations at once for the governing of trade at those ports.
After the regulations have been considered by the Yamên, a further
communication will be sent to your excellency.
The Yamên has decided, however, that the ports of Soochow and
Hangchow shall be opened on the 26th September next.
The Yamên request that your excellency will instruct American
merchants that they must not carry on trade at those ports until the
customs have been duly established.
