2
in their expectations, might be inclined to create trouble which would be a danger to the community. But, from what I hear, they have dispersed peaceably to their homes, each having received from the Min Magistrate a gratuity of 40 cents as a
viaticum.
The sole persons likely to be any the worse for M. Vetch's abortive enterprise are himself and his Syndicate. An expensive steamer, fitted up luxuriously, had been chartered for the occasion, but I understand the British owners had secured themselves against loss by ample pecuniary deposits on the part of the charterers.
I have, &c.
(Signed) G. M. H. PLAYFAIR.
[This Document is the Property of His Britannic Majesty's Government.] 302
AFFAIRS OF CHINA.
[June 19.]
C C.
CONFIDENTIAL.
SECTION
23671
[REC? REG 4 JUL 07
[20313]
No. 1.
Sir,
British and Chinese Corporation to Foreign Office.-(Received June 19.)3
22, Abchurch Lane, London, June 18, 1907. WE beg leave to forward herewith translation of a telegram which has been received by the Hong Kong and Shanghae Bank.
We are, &c. (The British and Chinese Corporation, Limited), (Signed) W. KESWICK, Chairman.
Inclosure in No. 1.
Hong Kong and Shanghae Bank, Shanghae, to Hong Kong and Shanghae Bank, London.
(Telegraphic.)
June 17, 1907.
HANKOW wires :-
"Advise London by wire: Result of interview to-day, Viceroy of Hankow requires new Chinese Government 5 per Cent. Loan 1,500,000l., twenty-five years, redemption fifteen years, commencing eleven years, earlier redemption optional, from eleven years to fifteen, 23 per cent. premium after fifteen years par, other terms same as advised. Viceroy of Hankow positively refuses to admit Banque de l'Indo-Chine (Paris) or clause in the sense of Anglo-German Agreement supplementary last paragraph. He prefers Hong Kong and Shanghae Bank alone, but in order to avoid complication with German Syndicate, think we can arrange negotiate in the name of British and Chinese Corporation (Limited). Viceroy of Hankow also disposed to make difficulties about control security în case of default-refer to our wire about 6th June. Cannot obtain trustee remuneration, but clause will protect precedent in case of future loan. With regard to price, Viceroy of Hankow requires 941. We confirm it is most desirable give E. G. Hillier this discretion provided all other con- ditions have been satisfactorily arranged. Condition with regard to Japanese contract probably not required.”
[2524 t―)
-1]