This Document is the Property of His Britannic Majesty's Government.
AFFAIRS OF CHINA.
CONFIDENTIAL.
[125]
No. 1.
C. 0.337
085
RECE
[Januar | FEE 09
SECTION 4.
Sir C. MacDonald to Sir Edward Grey.-(Received January 2, 1909.)
(No. 315. Confidential.) Sir,
Tokió, December 3, 1908.
IN my despatch No. 267 of the 4th October last I had the honour to transmit a report by Mr. Gordon, Acting Vice-Consul at Dairen, in which, among other points, the intention of the Corean Railway Bureau to construct a fixed bridge over the Yalu was mentioned; and at the same time, I informed you that I had lost no time in calling the attention of Count Komura to the part of that report dealing with the proposed bridge.
I have on several occasions pressed this subject on his Excellency, and on his last Count Komura then informed reception day, the 27th ultimo, I again referred to it. me that he had seen Prince Ito and had placed before him my views. The Prince had promised to look into the matter immediately on his return to Corea.
I now have the honour to forward herewith translation of a note, marked Confidential, which I received from the Japanese Minister for Foreign Affairs on the 28th ultimo, stating that it has now been finally decided to adopt the opening and closing type of bridge over the Yalu River,
I have, &c.
(Signed) CLAUDE M. MACDONALD.
Inclosure in No. 1.
Count Komura to Sir C. MacDonald.
(Translation.)
(No. 29. Confidential.) Sir,
November 28, 1908.
IN your note No. 89 of the 17th September last your Excellency addressed me in writing on the question of the Yalu River Bridge, after a previous conversation on the subject with my predecessor, Foreign Minister Hayashi.
I now have the honour to acquaint your Excellency that, recognizing myself also the propriety of making the said bridge of the opening and closing type, I conferred with the Department having control, with the result that it has now been finally decided to adopt that type of bridge.
I take, &c. (Signed) KOMURA JUTARÔ,
Minister for Foreign Affairs.
(2116 6-4)