This Document is the Property of His Britannic Majesty's Government
CHINA RAILWAYS.
CONFIDENTIAL.
(7926)
No. 1.
231
RE-P
9 APR 08:
[March 6.]
SECTION 1.
1
Telegrams communicated by Mr. Addis to Foreign Office, March 6, 1908.
Telegram received from Peking, March 5, 1908.
RE your wire of 4th, have not any information. Board of Communications, Peking, have opened a new Bank, receiving subscriptions for railway purposes, particularly to redeem Luhan line. Our opinion is they would be prepared to negotiate loan with Hong Kong and Shanghae Banking Corporation provided it is redeemable by extra drawings at any time when funds will permit of so doing. What they are likely to object to is dealing with several joint interests. Heavy floating expenses.
Telegram dispatched to Peking, March 6, 1908.
RE your wire of 5th, would it be possible for Hong Kong and Shanghae Banking Corporation to negotiate alone, providing for French participation by supplementary clause? Refer to Chinese Government 5 per Cent. Loan (1905) Agreement, our opinion is. Wire us what are your views. French would agree. Very anxious to secure the business.
[2880 ƒ-1]