[This Document is the Property of His Britannic Majesty's Government.]
CHINA RAILWAYS.
CONFIDENTIAL.
[4983]
No. 1.
28 APR 081 373
[February 12.]
SECTION 2,
Sir J. Jordan to Sir Edward Grey.-(Received February 12.)
(No. 39.) (Telegraphic.) P.
Peking, February 12, 1908.
I HAVE not sufficient knowledge of the composition of the Chinese Syndicate mentioned in your telegram No. 31 to be able to form an opinion of their standing.
It would require the official sanction of the Provincial Government to make the mortgage of the railway effective. I am of opinion that, should such sanction be forthcoming, His Majesty's Government might give a general assurance of support to Messrs. Samuel and Co.
I am ignorant as to who the firm's representative in China may be, but if he were instructed to put me in possession of the negotiations which have taken place, I would be in a better position to arrive at a conclusive opinion on the subject.
[2856 m-2]