329
Mr. BLAND expressed regret that this intention had not been made clear from the outset since the loan issue must inevitably be prejudiced if there be any doubt as to the Railway being worked under reciprocal arrangements calculated to promote its earning powers.
It was pointed out that the Working Agreement had been frequently mentioned and its eventual arrangement assumed at earlier meetings; also that in Article 21 of the Viceroy's draft it is specifically provided for. After considerable discussion it was agreed to substitute for the clause as drafted the Viceroy's original proposal, reading as follows:-
"The construction of the sections of the Railway from Canton to the boundary of the Kowloon leased territory under British control and from the said boundary to the Port of Kowloon respectively shall, when completed, be arranged under conditions based on the agreements usual in regard to the junction and working of inter-state railways in other countries. The Viceroy and the Governor of Hongkong shall in due time appoint officials to consider the subject and to arrange regulations accordingly."
Mr. BLAND suggested the advisability of naming a date for these negotiations to commence but H.E. T'ANG SHAO-YI considered this to be unnecessary, and outside the scope of the Loan Agreement.
Mr. BLAND further suggested that, in accordance with the provision of the preliminary agreement it be generally stated under this Article that the Railway would be hereafter worked in connection with the trunk line to Hankow, a condition without detriment to China and calculated to improve the prospects of the loan; but His Excellency was opposed to this.