893.512/611: Telegram

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

756. Legation’s 684, June 29, 5 p.m. and subsequent telegrams. Following from American consul at Shanghai:

“July 25, 3 p.m. The consul general today received from the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Nanking Government, for transmission to the Legation, two formal despatches in Chinese and English copy addressed to the American Minister, one transmitting official proclamation in reference to increased tariff rates, abolition of likin and excise taxes, et cetera, and the second referring to application of customs revenues to foreign loans. Proclamation is similar to one which has been published in vernacular press although tables and classification of merchandise first definite information of this nature received. Unless Legation instructs otherwise, these formal communications will be retained by this consulate general without reply to Nanking Minister and forwarded to Legation in care of Consul Davis scheduled to sail for Tientsin on July 29th. A telegram summarizing tariff proclamation will be forwarded later today.”

MacMurray