William H. Seward to consuls in China, December 3, 1879

Circular to consuls in China.

The fact, having been brought to my knowledge that the Chinese authorities at some of the ports have framed, with or without the concurrence of the consuls, regulations for the issue of transit passes, I have to call your attention to the matter, and to request you to inform the authorities that you have no authority to agree to any regulations so made or proposed, without having first obtained the sanction of the legation.

It is my desire and that of my colleagues to frame here, in concert with the government, all the rules necessary to the proper working of the transit pass system. This is desirable for the sake of uniformity and in order that the best possible arrangement may be secured.

In responding to this dispatch, please be so good as to hand to me copies in duplicate, in English and Chinese, of the form of transit pass inward and of the transit certificate used for produce coming outward, or in case these forms have been sent to the legation, please refer to the dispatch with which they were transmitted.

I desire to call your attention, further, to the fact that in urging upon the attention of the government here the failures and abuses of the transit pass system, and the irregular and undue taxation of uncertificated imports, and of jroduee intended for exportation, we find no lack of allegations that abuses exist, but the proofs are, in many cases, wanting. You are requested, therefore, to present to me such proofs in documentary form whenever it is possible for you to do so.

I am, &c.,