500. A 4e/117: Telegram

The Minister in China (Schurman) to the Secretary of State

422. Your telegram 236, October 5, 5 p.m. [omission] 9th. Foreign Office circular note 14th asserts revision just concluded was made in accordance with international agreement 1918 and was embodied in Washington Treaty only to hasten action. Purport appears to be that tariff schedule should be effective irrespective Washington Treaty.

[Page 821]

Dean has circulated, with approval, letter dated 13 from Japanese Minister expressing the opinion that since Washington Treaty is not yet ratified and moreover Tariff Revision Commission comprised powers not signatory thereto new schedule cannot go into effect until Chinese Government receives separate approval each Government concerned. The Japanese Minister states that while the Japanese Government is desirous to act conformably to Washington Treaty it considers foreign merchants entitled to two weeks’ advance notice of date scheme effective and he therefore proposes joint note to the Chinese Foreign Office asking issuance of customs notification to the effect that further notification will be issued when all approvals have been received and setting date schedule effective which date to be not less than two weeks later if notification of complete approval is issued after November 15th. Please instruct.

Schurman