1.
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[This Document is the Property of His Britannic Majesty's Government.]
656
CHINA RAILWAYS.
CONFIDENTIAL.
[9539]
No. 1.
C. 0. 14492
[March 27.]
SECTION 3. REG 24 APR 07
Foreign Office to the British and Chinese Coporation.
Sir,
Foreign Office, March 27, 1907. TAM directed by Secretary Sir E. Grey to inform you that a telegram has been received from His Majesty's Minister at Peking on the subject of the Suchow-Ningpo and Tien-tsin-Yang-tsze Railways.
It appears that his German colleague, who has received instructions from his Government to press on the negotiations for the latter railway, has applied to Sir J. ...Jordan for further active co-operation, and that the agent of the Chinese Central
Railways, Mr. Bland, is concentrating all his energy on this line.
Sir J. Jordan sees no objection to concerted action with the German Minister, provided the British and Chinese Corporation are prepared to see the negotiations respecting the Soochow-Ningpo line subordinated to those now in question.
Sir J. Jordan adds that there can be no doubt that the Tien-tsin-Yang-tsze Railway project will meet with least resistance from the Chinese Government; that the combined pressure of the two Legations would inevitably give it precedence; and, moreover, that local British opinion at Tien-tsin appears favourable to its construction. Sir E. Grey is disposed to inform Sir J. Jordan that he concurs in his proposal to co-operate with the German: Minister, but as this would involve the postponement of the negotiations respecting the Soochow-Ningpo line until the other matter is settled, he would be glad to consider: first, any observations which the British and Chinese. Corporation may desire to offer on the subject, after communication with Chinese Central Railways (Limited).
I am, &c.
(Signed)
F. A. CAMPBELL.
[2421. dd-3]