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French participation the matter practically passed out
of his hands and the question became one rather for
diplomatic treatment, as Monsieur Cambon has stated.
Mr. Hillier's endeavours were directed towards
finding a way out of the deadlock, and it was only with
this object in view that he suggested the conclusion of
a contract in the name of the British Syndicate alone,
subject to a division of results between the various
parties interested.
It must be pointed out that although the French
group form part of the Chinese Central Railways and
will share in any business or enterprise undertaken by
that Syndicate, their association with the British and
Chinese Corporation is so far limited to the Canton-
Hankow Railway, a preference in regard to which was
granted