"Im taking back the Customs proclaiming autonomy, we are acting quite within reasonable limits. It is only fair and just that we should have Customs freedom, If foreigners oppose autonomy by basing their arguments on the unequal treaties, the Nationalist Government should issue a public announcement to the effect that the Customs, as at Present constituted, is not Position to represent Government in the collection of} revenues. We merchants then should}
'The Shanghai Merchants' Amalga- boycott the Cus! id suspend all mated Astociation will hold a meet. ing of representatives of the vinees under Nationalist control on August 20 to discus tuation, They will, it is ani the Givernment. to enteres autonomy and, instead of depositing the revenues in foreign banks as hitherto, they suggest. that. these funds should be placed in Chinese banks.
In the course of a letter to its members the Chinese General Chamber of Commerce (according to the '"Shuoxpao") says:— relations with the service, We should refuse to recognize it. We should use the boycott system in dealing with, it, We should assist the Government at all costs and we show] that we are not afraid. We should, therefore, ask the: Government to assume control of the Customs; to declare full tariff autonomy; to introduce a sectional tariff (viz, to place lighter tax on Chinese good and a heavier one on foreign m protect. Chi
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.