[This Document is the Property of His Britannic Majesty's Government] 429
25167
CHINA RAILWAYS.
CONFIDENTIAL.
[15950]
No. 1.
[MREC15.]
TREG: 16 JUL 07 SECTION 1.
}
Sir J. Jordan to Sir Edward Grey.-(Received May 15.)
(No. 81.) (Telegraphic.) P.
Peking, May 15, 1907. VICEROY of Wuchang's loan. Please see your telegram No. 53 of 13th instant. I have sent the following telegram to-day to His Majesty's Consul-General at Hankow:-
"Bland informs me that the Yokohama Specie Bank have withdrawn their proposal. Bland was told yesterday by the President of the Board of Communications that he recognized Viceroy's obligation to borrow from us, and that he would lend his support to the Viceroy in obtaining sanction of an Imperial guarantee for a railway loan, provided that the conditions are satisfactory.
"I learn that Hillier will arrive at Hankow on Friday, the 17th instant."
[15955]
No. 2.
Sir J. Jordan to Sir Edward Grey.--(Received May 15.)
(No. 82.) (Telegraphic.) P.
Peking, May 15, 1907.
HANGCHOW-SOOCHOW-NINGPO Railway negotiations.
At an interview with the Wai-wu Pu yesterday, Board proposed that on the return of Mr. Wang, late Minister in London, he should, being a native of Hangchow, be charged with the task of first overcoming the opposition of his fellow provincials, and then of conducting the negotiations for a final agreement respecting this railway.
The agent of the British and Chinese Corporation is disposed to accept this offer
of the Wai-wu Pu, provided that work on the section Soochow to Kashing is stopped meanwhile.
There is, however, little likelihood of this condition being accepted by the Board.
[2481 p-1]