that I had received telegraphic enquiries on this subject from Sir E. Grey, and requested that I might be informed whether the Chinese Government had communicated with the Viceroy in the sense desired by my Note of May 12th. In reply to verbal representations at the Vai Tu Pu I was informed that the Chinese Government had no information of the project to construct a railway from Canton city through Samshui, but that enquiries were being made and a reply would be sent later.
I have recently received more precise information from His Majesty's Consul General which places it beyond any reasonable doubt that the Board of Commerce has sanctioned this scheme, that large funds have been subscribed to carry it out, that a foreign engineer has been engaged and will reach Canton shortly, and that the contract for the materials is to be given to a foreign firm.
I should remind Your Highness that in a Note of August 5th ...