Tokyo, Dec. 7.
Although it is reported that the Nanking Government will enforce the new Customs Tariff from January 1, 1931, it is learned that the tariff will become effective on February 1, seeing that all preparations for the abodition of likin, which is conditional for the enforcement of the new tariff, are still far from being completed, according to a reliable source.—Rengo, supplied 40 percent, total imports but since 1925 that trade has experienced sharp decline, sliding down to 9.1 per cent. of China's import trade the year 1929, if Tam not mistaken this mission is here precisely to find out the causes of such a decline and to devise ways and means for its im. provement, There seems to unanimous. opinion that China has immense potentialities for the absorption of British cotton goods in articular and unlimited room for the expansion of British trade in general and that revival would be beneficial not only to Great Britain but to China as well. I feel certain that Tam not alone to-night in wishing your mission every success and we shall be only too glad to give assistance to you in your ingations.
here is however, one special point I wish to stress upon the! minds of members of the mission, namely that international trade depends largely upon international'
There can be no business the goodwill of the customer is first gained and I very happy to say that the relations between Britain and China today are more friendly and amicatl than ever before.
In the course of your investiga tions I daresay you will receive much food for thought. "May T hope you will keep open minds and en deavour to seo the two sides to every question?
"Gentlemen, permit _me to pro. pose your health and wish you every success, greater trade and stil' more cordial friendship between our two peoples.
Several government leaders sat down to dinner, including Mr. T. V. Soong, Mi Sun Fo, Dr. H.'H. Kung, Minister of Industry.
This afternoon the members the mission attended an informal tion given by General Chiang]
ok.—Reater.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.