893.48g/70: Telegram
The Acting Secretary of State to the Minister in China (Crane)
400. Your 456, December 22, 2 p.m.
Department is unable to determine whether the proposed surtax will become effective January 16th, in view of your statement that certain of the Legations, particularly the British and French, have interposed objections either on the ground of foreign control over disbursements or the time when the tax shall be imposed. Please state definitely whether tax will be imposed on date mentioned notwithstanding the objections pointed out in your telegram. You will recall that this Government’s acceptance of the surtax was conditional on its being imposed on all countries alike.
When date of imposition of tax has been finally agreed upon, the Department desires to be informed whether tax will be effective on all cargo arriving after that date.