893.512/713: Telegram
The Chargé in China (Mayer) to the Secretary of State
Peking, November 22,
1927—2 p.m.
[Received November 22—1:50 p.m.]
[Received November 22—1:50 p.m.]
1022. 1. Following from Shanghai consul general:
“November 18, 4 p.m.
- (1)
- Director of surtax bureau announced yesterday that ‘surtax of one and one-quarter percent on all native goods imported to Shanghai from other ports of China amounting to one-half of the present coast-trade duty will be collected.’
- (2)
- It will be observed that only one day’s notice is given and that no provision is made for exemption of native products in transit.
- (3)
- American Chamber of Commerce has asked to be allowed to pay recognized coast-trade duty on American-owned native products into consulate general, or if that cannot be done it wishes to secure some other form of relief.
- (4)
- I have informed Chamber of Commerce that such method of payment is impracticable and that I can think of no successful way of preventing the collection of the surtax but I have invited it to make suggestions.
- (5)
- The Legation’s instructions are requested.
- (6)
- I have suggested to the chamber that interested individuals might take up with the Superintendent of Customs the question of exemption of cargo which is already in transit.”
2. I concur in consul general’s fourth paragraph.
3. Department’s instructions are requested, pending receipt of which Legation is not instructing Cunningham.
Mayer