Иго
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Real 1 DEC 06
Enclosure // Secret despatch dated 2 Dec, H.E.
Paraphrase of Telegraphic Correspondence.
LII
From J.E. Jordan, Peking
To Governor Hong Kong
No. 25
Des. 11:10 am Arr. 25/11/06
Urgent. Canton Kowloon Railway. Have you received my despatch of 18th Nov.? There is some prospect of the final loan agreement being concluded today and I should be glad to have your views.
Jordan
LIII
From Governor Hong Kong
To J.E. Jordan, Peking
No. 1.30pm 25/10/06
I have not yet received your dispatch of 18th Oct. Are provisions on which I laid stress in my telegram of 26th August embodied in draft final loan agreement?
Nathan
LIV
From J.E. Jordan, Peking
To Governor Hong Kong
Rec'd 24/10/06
No. 626
Des. 10.40pm. Received
Referring to your telegram 25th. Referring to your telegram Aug 25th. Despatch No. 143, Paragraph 2. Following is the text of Article 8 in the draft final Loan agreement.
"The junction of sections of the railway from Canton to the boundary at Kowloon, and from this said boundary to the port Kowloon respectively shall be arranged and the railway worked under uniform conditions laid down by agreement usual in regard to junction and working of international railways in other countries. It is understood that in virtue of and conforming to this arrangement both Governments will at due time appoint officials to consider the subject and arrange regulations accordingly."
Under present circumstances it was found impossible to bring any provisions for Canton/Kowloon Railway into the loan agreement.
Provision under second sub-head of above mentioned paragraph is as follows:-
"It is further understood that the Chinese Government will not permit the construction of any line parallel to railway to the injury of the latter's interest."
I am strongly of opinion that we have obtained as good terms as we can under loan agreement and if any improvement on these terms is derived it must stand over till the negotiations between Your Excellency and the Viceroy – referred to Art. 18. Agreement is practically settled and only awaits your concurrence which I hope you will give.
Jordan