This Document is the Property of His Britannic Majesty's Government.
CHINA RAILWAYS.
CONFIDENTIAL.
[16530]
No. 1.
23 JUN 08
[May 13.]
SECTION 1.
753
Sir C. MacDonald to Sir Edward Grey.-(Received May 13.) (No. 38.) (Telegraphic) P.
Tokió, May 13, 1908. FOLLOWING is being repeated to Peking for the information of Sir John Jordan:-
On the 28th April the President of the South Manchurian Railway, Baron Goto, left for St. Petersburgh for the purpose ostensibly of discussing railway affairs with the authorities of the Chinese Eastern Railway.
Probably there is also a political motive in his mission, and it is likely that he will do his best to promote a close understanding between Russia and Japan in their policy with regard to Manchuria.
Following is secret:
I think it not improbable that the question of the sale to Japan of the railway from Chang Chun to Harbin will also be discussed, although this is denied by the Japanese Foreign Office.
[2972-1]