CANTON
463
KOWLOON
RAILWAY
300
(8.30 JAN 06)
MINUTES of first Meeting held at H.B.M. Consulate-General, Canton on Monday 18th December 1905 between the Viceroy of Canton's Deputies and the representative of the British & Chinese Corporation Limited.
PRESENT: - Messrs Wei, Wen & Kung representing the Viceroy of Canton and Mr C.H. Ross representing the British & Chinese Corporation Ltd. Mr Tebbitt, H.B.M. Vice Consul being also present.
After the customary compliments, Mr Wen explained that as the Viceroy's Deputies were ignorant of the details of the proposals to be made, all that could be done at this meeting, would be to receive the proposals of the Corporation; after studying which the Deputies could explain them to the Viceroy and take his instructions thereon.
Mr Ross then presented the Deputies with copies in English of the proposed Loan Agreement and Schedule, also with a Chinese translation of these documents. In presenting these, Mr Ross explained that they were drafted in the names of Sheng Kungpao and the Imperial Chinese Railway Administration, but as negotiations were now transferred to Canton, the necessary alterations in names could be made if the Deputies would indicate the Viceroy's wishes in the matter. The Chinese translation Mr Ross explained had been prepared by a Chinese Official in Tientsin, and while it was believed to be a faithful translation of the original, he could not guarantee its accuracy, and the Deputies would therefore please understand that the English text alone described the Corporation's proposals.
Mr Ross then formally notified the Deputies that he was prepared to commence negotiations and awaited their convenience.
Mr Wen in reply, said that they could not discuss details but would read the proposed agreement to the Viceroy that night and bring his reply, in writing, the following day at 2.30 p.m.