893.512 Flour/10: Telegram

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

506. Department’s 206, June 28, 5 p.m. Following from consul general at Canton:

1.
“July 1, 1 p.m. Canton regime is preparing to levy a special tax, probably 5 percent ad valorem, on all imports of foreign flour, the idea being to encourage local milling, it is said, and also to raise revenue. Importers declare that the American flour trade which is considerable will be ruined. I am protesting vigorously but without great hopes of success.”
2.
“July 2, 3 p.m. Your telegram of June 30, 3 p.m. Commissioner of Foreign Affairs [omission?] stated he is sending strong protest against promulgation of the flour tax to the Political Council for consideration at its meeting tomorrow morning. He does not believe that the tax will take effect immediately, if at all. I hope to see Marshal Li Chai-sum53 tomorrow to discuss the question, and will telegraph you afterwards.”
3.
Following from consul general at Shanghai:

“June 29th, 12 noon. Referring to my telegram June 21st, 12 noon. Director of machine-made-flour tax administration has issued a notice effective July 1st that has been informed by the Ministry of Finance ‘that a special tax on all machine-made flour at the rate of 5 percent (is 10 cents Mexican on each bag) shall be levied.’”

MacMurray
  1. Telegram in two sections.
  2. Nationalist military leader.