432
Apart from any risk arising from the part of this Chinese line which has been raised being under Chinese administration, there may be some risk that the heavy demands made from the Laut for the purchase of Leturned may be prejudicial.
From Warang, it is formally moved.
4. In the second place, I am informed that other lines constructed by foreign capital, the Chinese Government have shown a disposition to strangle goods traffic by the charges and imposition of likin duties. This also would be gravely prejudicial to the success of the long line; but while it is a point to be borne in mind when the details of a working agreement are under discussion, it is not a matter which calls for immediate action.
5. Finally, according to my information, the Chinese Government consider, or affect to consider, that the lines constructed under the auspices of the British and Chinese Corporation have been built and equipped on an extravagant scale, and (in pursuance of this idea) there is the danger that they may construct their section of the Canton-Kowloon line in a cheap and inefficient manner. It is conceivable that...