Chargé Coolidge to the Secretary of State.
Peking , May 22, 1905 .
(Mr. Coolidge reports that the Chinese Government, in order to prevent the supply of coal to belligerent war vessels, requires shippers of coal from Shanghai to record guarantees at their consulates that a receipt for the shipment will reach the Shanghai customs authorities from the port of destination within forty days, under a penalty of five times the value of the cargo. This requirement was caused by the unusual form adopted for rapid handling of coal recently shipped from Shanghai, which aroused suspicion. Upon request he informed the consul-general at Shanghai. Mr. Coolidge asks instructions.)