Joseph Haas to the Aus Chevalier de Boleslawski, July 18, 1878

Communication of the acting Taoutai, Cha-lan-Sheng, to the Aus Chevalier de Boleslawski.

On the 15th instant, I had the honor to receive your communication in regard to the proposed regulations for the preservation of the harbor of Shanghai, and that the jurisdiction of the harbor-master shall extend from Woosung up to the Lunghwa Pagoda. You further request me to procure the approval of the high authorities to this proposition. Concerning this point I find that (the tract of the river) north of the bridge of the 16th tithing down to Yang Shoo-poo (boundary of the American settlement), and the water-read down to the mouth of the Woosung, was, according to the rule hitherto existing, under the control of the harbor-master.

When I had the pleasure of seeing you on the 12th instant I called your attention to this point.

Your letter of the 15th instant speaks still of the boundaries from Woosung up to Lunghwa Pagoda.

The limits of every harbor of the southern treaty ports were hitherto always fixed, according to the real state of circumstances, by the superintendent of trade for the southern ports.

As your honor’s suggestion is not in accord with mine, I petitioned thereupon to the superintendent of trade for the southern ports—Shen and I shall act according to his decision.

As soon as I have his decision thereupon I shall communicate the same to you.