893.512/420: Telegram

The Chargé in China ( Mayer ) to the Secretary of State

494. My 490, October 18, 6 p.m.

1.
Following is résumé of telegrams recently received by the Acting Inspector General of Customs from Commissioner of Customs at Canton.
2.
Tax collection not yet in full swing, 100 men being trained at the tax office for service at other ports. Superintendent of Customs (a Chinese) is appointing men to Customs Bank and others to attend daily to collect information at harbor department in connection with collection of tax. Increased intrusion into Customs must be looked for with inevitable weakening of its position. As time goes by and confidence gained, likelihood of Customs being required to collect will lessen. Valuable opportunity appears to be passing. No prospect of serious foreign protest against taxes. Shipping firms now to send import manifests to collecting office.
Mayer