This Document is the Property of His Britannic Majesty's Government)
CHINA RAILWAYS.
CONFIDENTIAL,
14955
[February 16. 30 APR 08
SECTION 1. 374
[6389]
(No. 41.)
No. 1.
Sir J. Jordan to Sir Edward Grey.-(Received February 16.)
(Telegraphic.) P.
HANKOW-CANTON Railway.
Peking, February 15, 1908.
Bland has sent to the British and Chinese Corporation a telegram, which they will submit to you, respecting the proposed loan for the construction of the northern section.
We may anticipate keen competition from the Germans.
I am of opinion that it is essential the French Government should give the French banks a free hand to negotiate the loan on the best terms they can obtain, in co-operation with the British groups, if there is to be any prospect of successfully maintaining the Anglo-French combination.
The French Minister will telegraph on this subject to his Government to-morrow. I have spoken to him in the above sense.
[2856 -1]