Dear Mr. Simon:
31, LOMBARD STREET,
LONDON, E.C.,
January 5th, 1906.
I am in receipt of your letter of the 1st instant confirming the desire of the French Group to co-operate with the British and Chinese Corporation in the Hankow-Canton Railway negotiations.
It is unnecessary at this stage to enter upon details pending the decision of the Foreign Office, but I take note that your Group are prepared to negotiate with us on the general lines laid down in our correspondence, "it being", as you say, "well understood that the British interest would be one half, the Company a British one and the Chairman a British subject appointed by the British Group and possessing a casting vote".
As regards Belgian participation there should be no misunderstanding. I have expressly informed Monsieur Francqui that we were not disposed to entertain his proposals.
Believe me &c.,
(Signed)
C. S. Addis.