36
the Wai-wu Pu asking if the way were clear to start a Chinese Company for construction of the line, and had received the reply, "Way not clear."
I have, &c. (Signed)
[This Document is the property of His Britannic Majesty's Government.
AFFAIRS OF CHINA.
H. H. FO
CONFIDENTIAL.
[38600]
285
0.
42997
门
[November 7th, 1908
SECTION 1.
Inclosure 2 in No. 1.
Extract from the "Shih Min Hsin Pao," Canton, August 27, 1908.
(Translation.)
THE CANTON-MACAO RAILWAY.-As has already been reported in this paper, a start has been made with the Canton-Macao Railway since the signing of the Loan Agreement with Portugal, and the term then fixed has long since expired. The merchants of Canton have repeatedly petitioned the Board of Communications to cancel the Agreement and allow the line to be built under mercantile direction.
Our Peking correspondent now informs us that the Board of Communications sent a despatch to the Wai-wu Pu saying that the merchants of Canton have petitioned to commence the railway, and requesting that the Portuguese Minister be asked to cancel the existing Agreement to enable the Canton merchants to issue shares and proceed with the work.
It is expected that news of a definite description will shortly be forthcoming.
No. 1.
Sir Edward Grey to Sir J. Jordan.
(No. 131.) (Telegraphic.) P.
Foreign Office, November 7, 1908. PLEASE refer to my telegram No. 119 of the 2nd ultimo concerning the delimitation of Macao.
The delay of the Chinese Government in appointing Commissioners has caused the Portuguese Government to complain and to apply for our aid.
Unless you see reason for acting otherwise, please support their representations. It is alleged, further, that Delegates nominated by Portugal appear unsuitable to the Viceroy of Canton, and that he has objected to their appointment.
[2029 g-1]