893.512/730: Telegram
The Minister in China (MacMurray) to the Secretary of State
[Received December 13—9:20 a.m.]
1082. Department’s 400, December 5, 5 p.m. Following from American consul general at Shanghai:
“December 9, 5 p.m. Continuing my 239, November 29, 5 p.m.83 American Chamber of Commerce under date of December 2 protests against surtax of one-half of the present transit dues and states that ‘We wish to protest against this tax on the ground that it is in contravention of the present treaties existing between the United States and China and would greatly appreciate your recording this protest officially with the American Minister in Peking and the State Department in Washington.’ It is suggested that protest be filed with the local Commissioner of Foreign Affairs against the imposition of this nontreaty tax.”
I have replied as follows:
“December 12, 5 p.m.
- 1.
- Your 250, December 9, 5 p.m., and in accordance with No. 239, December 1, 6 p.m. [November 29, 5 p.m.], with regard to protest of surtax on native goods imported to Shanghai, following received from Department: Here quotes Department’s telegram No. 400, December 5, 5 p.m.
- 2.
- Department’s 270, July 1, 1927, repeated in my 248, December 8, 3 p.m.
- 3.
- The matter of this surtax will be discussed at a meeting to be held soon by the interested Ministers in Peking and you will be promptly informed of the results of such a conference.
- 4.
- In meantime you should take no action and should keep Legation promptly informed of any action on the part of other interested consular authorities in Shanghai.”