C.0.
[This Document is the Property of His Britannic Majesty's Gofernuicno."
CHINA RAILWAYS.
J
CONFIDENTIAL.
[36359]
No. 1.
TT88 [October 19.]
22
TT JAN 09 SECTION 5:
Sir J. Jordan to Sir Edward Grey.-Received October 19.) (No. 163.) (Telegraphic.) P.
Peking, October 19, 1908. FOLLOWING are the facts relating to the dismissal of British subjects employed on the Imperial Railways of North China, which formed the subject of your telegram No. 124 of the 17th instant :---
First, as regards the Principal of the Engineering College. The articles of his engagement contain the following stipulation: "It is of course understood that a three months' notice only is required for either side to terminate our connection.” Mr. Griffith was engaged on these terms in 1905, but was given notice of dismissal under the above clause about a month ago. He had an interview with me and handed me a private letter from Mr. Kinder, in which the latter asked me to use my good offices on Mr. Griffith's behalf, stating that it was the usual practice to give a six months' notice of dismissal. I was not given to understand by either Mr. Kinder or Mr. Griffith that they considered the loan contract had been infringed by the notice given to the latter.
The case is at present being considered by the Director-General of Railways, before whom I have laid the matter, pointing out the hardship inflicted on Mr. Griffith.
In the second place, I have received no official information either from the British and Chinese Corporation, who are the trustees of the bondholders, or Mr. Kinder as to the notice of dismissal given to two British traffic inspectors on the railway. I under- stand, however, that Mr. Kinder has lodged a protest with the Director.
In regard to all three cases the following points seem to me of importance :----
1. Are the three men covered by clause 6 of the railway contract, which relates
to "principal members of the railway staff"?
2. Was Mr. Kinder consulted before the dismissals were decided on?
3. Does Mr. Kinder approve of the dismissals?
Mr. Hillier wrote at my request to Mr. Kinder on the 15th instant, putting close questions to him, and asking him for further particulars, but has as yet received no reply.
(Private.)
Dr. Morrison's somewhat precipitate action in the matter is probably due to his chagrin at receiving no answer to a letter he wrote to the Director-General of Railways on the subject.
[1.983 t-5]
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6.