Sabcudorum & Tulorum 2 ti/Surd Dropatch Bifc0/06
C O. 64367
RESTRICTED
Regd 1 DEC 06
Memorandum of a Conversation between Mr. King, Chief Engineer of the Yuel-Han Railway, and Mr. Alwyne Sly, Vice Consul of Canton on behalf of Mr. Jamieson, Consul General,
Subject: the report published in the Hong Kong Telegraph of the 9th instant with reference to the alleged dismissal of Mr. Swithin as American Assistant Chief Engineer.
Mr. King said that he had been approached with the object as described but did not think that he would come. On reference to the representations made last month to the Viceroy at the request of H.E. The Governor of Hong Kong when it was reported that an American Engineer was to be employed, Mr. King stated that, as Chief Engineer, he was at liberty to engage Assistant Engineers of any nationality; what he wanted was the best man. He wished to know whether it was claimed that foreign engineers engaged should be British, and could H.M. Consul General produce any agreement. Would there be any objection to the employment of Japanese? He would inquire in Shanghai for any Engineer, three of whom were needed at once, Could H.M. Consul General recommend any dependable British Expert for these posts? The undertaking was in the hands of a Chinese Company, and as such differed from an Imperial one. It would offer a large open market for the supply of materials, rolling stock etc. required.
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