$40.
(4394)
PEKING.
Res
C.O.
287
7229
Decemberra, 110007
Sir:-
With reference to your despatches Nos.9, 18, and
30 of January 12th and 24th of this year, I have the
honour to state that towards the end of October Mr.
Bland, the representative of the British and Chinese
Corporation, mentioned to me that, according to his
information, the Viceroy of Wuchang would be prepared
to consider proposals for a construction loan for the
Canton Hankow Railway on the basis of the Canton-Kow-
loon final loan agreement, the terms of which were at
the time practically agreed upon.
It appeared to me that, in view of the nature of
the engagement contained in the Viceroy's letter of
September 9th, 1905, on which Mr. Eland was relying,
it was at least doubtful whether the open intervention
of a French Representative at this stage might not be
used by the Viceroy as a pretext for evading our
Right Honourable
Sir Edward Grey, Bart., M.P.,
claims
&c., &c., &c.,