[This Document is the Property of His Britannic Majesty's Government.]
CHINA TRADE.
CONFIDENTIAL.
[23896]
No. 1.
523
[July 26.]
SECTION 1.
(No. 299.) Sir,
Sir Edward Grey to Sir J. Jordan,
Foreign Office, July 26, 1907. I REFERRED to the Board of Trade your despatches Nos. 197 and 218 of the 29th April and 8th May last, regarding the privileges of the China Merchants' Company.
The reply of the Board has now been received, and I transmit to you herewith a copy for your information and guidance.*
The Board concur in your view that it is not desirable that the provisions of the Supplementary Treaty of 1886 between China and the United States should be invoked by His Majesty's Government in support of the claims of the China Navigation Company; and also in your suggestion that the arguments based on this Treaty might be held in reserve as an additional means of defence against any new attempts on the part of the Chinese Government to discriminate in favour of Chinese shipping.
I am, &c. (Signed) E. GREY.
* Board of Trade, July 17, 1907.
[2564 co]
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