[This Document is the Property of His Britannic Majesty's Government.]
AFFAIRS OF CHINA.
CONFIDENTIAL.
187
[October 29.]
SECTION 1.
42969
RECE
[35840]
(No. 183.)
No. 1.
Sir Edward Grey to Sir J. Jordan,
Po 22 NOV (^.
(Telegraphic.) P.
Foreign Office, October 29, 1906. X RUMOUR has been brought to my notice by the French Ambassador that an Anglo-Japanese Syndicate has been formed for the construction of a railway from Ilankow to Szechuan, and that a preliminary survey is being made by Haraguchi and other Japanese engineers.
It is supposed that Shimisu, a member of the Syndicate, is starting to study the matter on the spot, and it is said that in addition to the support of the Japanese Minister you have consented to lend him support.
I should be glad to be informed whether you have any knowledge of the Syndicate. His Majesty's Government could not support them, as they are engaged to the French in regard to the Szechuan Railway, and I suppose that his Excellency may be informed that there is no foundation for the rumour in regard to you.
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