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  4. Document 305

893.51 Salt Funds/61: Telegram

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

Peiping , June 23, 1930—6 p.m.
[Received June 25—1:05 p.m.]

486. Department’s 190, June 12, 4 a.m. [p.m.] American Consul General at Tientsin reports in despatch of June 19th that he has now received information from the Foreign District Inspector of the Chinese Government Salt Administration at Tientsin to the following effect:

  • “1. That under date of June 15th, General Yen Hsi-shan addressed the Inspector a telegram agreeing in principle to the release of reserved funds for the service of the foreign loans secured on the salt revenue, operating [for the] four northern salt districts now under his influence. The Inspector states that payment to the foreign banks is to be made as soon as the amount has been ascertained and details of the operation arranged.
  • 2. A letter of the same date has been received from the Hopei Finance [Deputy] guaranteeing the continued maintenance of the present arrangements for the office of the Inspectorate and entrusting the District Inspectors with the continued charge of the [revenue] accounts [account] as previously demanded by the foreign district inspector.”

Gauss adds that

“For the time being, at least, this appears to indicate the satisfactory solution of the difficulties in the matter of the Salt Administration and salt revenues. The Administration’s functions remain unimpaired and provision has been made for the [release of funds for the] service of foregoing [foreign] loans secured on [the] salt revenues [revenue].”

For the Minister:
Perkins