55
This Document is the Property of His Britannic Majesty's Government.j
C. O.
32445
CHINA RAILWAYS.
READ
[June 4.]
Ref 10 SEP 07
CONFIDENTIAL.
SECTION 4,
[16782]
No. 1.
Sir,
Foreign Office to British and Chinese Corporation.
Foreign Office, June 4, 1907. I AM directed by Secretary Sir E. Grey to acknowledge the receipt of your undated letter received the 23rd ultimo, submitting arguments in favour of the contention that the provisions contained in the recent Railway Agreement between China and Japan for the supply of funds for the construction of a regular railway line between Hsin-min-tun and Mukden are an infringement of the British and Chinese Corporation's rights and would act adversely against their interests.
Before communicating with His Majesty's Minister at Peking on the subject, Sir E. Grey would be glad to know whether the Corporation's views would be met if arrangements could be made to effect a compromise on the basis suggested by Mr. Bland, viz., that it should be clearly understood that the jurisdiction of the Chinese Railway Administration shall extend north-westwards only to the Liao River, which is understood to be about 8 miles from Hsin-min-tun, and that Japanese control shall be limited to the east of that river.
I am, &c.
(Signed)
F. A. CAMPBELL.
[2525 d-4]