[This Document is the Property of His Britannic Majesty's Government.]
CHINA RAILWAYS.
CONFIDENTIAL.
[32488]
No. 1.
[September 18.]
SECTION 1.
Telegram communicated by Mr. Addis, September 18, 1908.
September 18, 1908. RE your wire of the 17th, we have submitted offer to Board of Communication (Ynchuanpu), Peking; they are prepared to consider all outstanding terms with the exception of written assurance, to which they will not agree, although we have offered to surrender despatch as soon as redemption is completed.
They request us to inform you, if this condition insisted on, they will break off negotiations, but if withdrawn they might be prepared even to reconsider 93 per cent. basis if desired.
They will not give reason for refusal, but if reason honest we cannot understand objection. With reference to the foregoing, we are unable to express any opinion as to probable consequence of insisting, but we think it possible Chinese will resent our action. Wire us how are we to act. British Minister, Peking, requests you to communicate the preceding to Foreign Office.
[1940 ×---1]
148