140
further expansion of this important centre of trade would be
such as to probably raise this Port at once to the position
of the first, instead of the third, port in the World and to enormously increase the volume of her trade.
It is therefore of paramount importance
to British trade in this quarter of the Globe that the trunk
line should not fall into the control of a Power that might
use it to our detriment rather than to our advantage.
I considered, therefore, the information
supplied to me of sufficient importance to communicate it to
You
by telegram this day and in the interests of this Colony
I venture to express the hope that His Majesty's Government
will take into serious consideration, if it has not
done so already, the question of obtaining a substantial interest
in the Hankow-Canton Railway.
This might be done by a revision of the
terms of the Concession in favour of the admission of British
Shareholders or by cancellation of the Concession and its
re-grant on such revised terms.
I have the honour to be,
Sir,
Your most obedient
Humble servant,
Officer Administering the Government.
No 300
26