HC Deb 02 July 1902 vol 110 cc530-1
* SIR CHARLES DILKE (Gloucestershire, Forest of Dean)

I beg to ask the Under Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether any protest has been made by the British or Japanese Governments against the collection of Likin by the Russian Provincial Administration of Newchwang on steamer-borne imports and exports; and, having regard to the fact that in the last year reported 454 of the ships concerned were British or Japanese, as against three Russian and eighty-one of all other nationalities, he will say whether transit passes are given to clear goods against all subsequent exaction of Likin.

LORD CRANBORNE

No protest was I made by His Majesty's Government against the levy of Likin by the Russian authorities at Newchwang, because when it was brought to the notice of His Majesty's Government, negotiations were proceeding between the Russian and Chinese Governments for the evacuation of Manchuria by the former, and it was expected that this would shortly be carried into effect and Newchwang restored to Chinese control. It was, moreover, found on inquiry, that the Russian authorities in levying duty and Likin simultaneously were continuing a practice which, though contrary to our Treaty rights the Chinese had followed for some years His Majesty's Government are unaware whether the Japanese Government have made any protest to the Russian Government on the subject. The right of merchants to obtain transit passes should they wish to do so, is in no way affected.