[This Document is the Property of His Britannic Majesty's Government
621
谦
CHINA RAILWAYS.
CONFIDENTIAL.
[10675]
No. 1.
13726
[April] 19 APR 07-
SECTION 1.
Sir Edward Grey to Sir F. Bertie.
(No. 190.) Sir,
Foreign Office, April 3, 1907. WITH reference to my despatch No. 663 of the 23rd November, 1906, I have to inform your Excellency that the French Ambassador recently referred to the proposal that the Japanese should be admitted to the Anglo-French railway group in China.
The last particulars on the subject sent to your Excellency are contained in a letter from the China Central Railways of the 18th December (Affairs of China, the 18th December (1)), and copies of subsequent correspondence are inclosed.
M. Cambon expressed a fear that China was now very much opposed to Japanese enterprise, adding that as Japan was taking Russia's place China had the same jealousy of her that she formerly had of Russia. He doubted, therefore, whether the participation of Japan would further the work of the group. It had also been reported to him that the English half of the group was opposed to the participation of Japan.
I said Tuy recollection was that the English part of the group had expressed itself favourable to the inclusion of Japan, provided it took place on such terms as not to prejudice the English position in the group. But it was soo weeks since I had last spoken of the matter.
M. Cambon asked me to make further inquiries as to the present disposition of the English half, and I promised to do so.
Subsequently I informed M. Cambon that the English half of the Central Railways was by no means opposed to the participation of Japan. They did not think Japan would help the Company much financially, but perhaps their co-operation might politically be useful. The English group had made an offer to their French partners as to the manner in which the shares should be divided if the Japanese were admitted.
M. Cambon expressed a doubt as to the advantage of Japanese participation, and thought the matter might be allowed to rest.
[2449 c-1]
I am, &c.
(Signed)
E. GREY.