§ 10. Sir J. D. REESasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the Standard Oil Company, under its agreement with the Chinese Government, has a monopoly extending over all China for a year, or whether it can operate only in the province of Shansi?
§ Sir E. GREYBy the terms of the agreement the Standard Oil Company have acquired certain rights in the provinces of Shensi and Chihli. The agreement contains no reference to the province of Shansi. It confers no monopoly over the whole of China, but it does contain a provision by which the Chinese Government is precluded from giving before February next any concession to other foreigners for petroleum bearing properties in China. This, of course, does not affect any prior concessions which may have been granted by the Chinese Government.