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Government expect Chang Chih Tung in fulfilment of
obligations not accept any foreign offer until submit-
ted to himself reasonable time allowed for considera-
tion British Capitalists.
If the British Government insist upon this it is
probable competition will not be serious.
February 24th 1909. "B"
Referring to your telegram of the 23rd (request-
ing Mr. Bland to telegraph seriatim Chang Chih Tung's
final conditions) Chang Chih Tung offers no final con-
ditions his position is as stated my memorandum Decem-
ber 24th telegram February 3rd declines to accept our
conditions with regard to Engineer-in-Chief without
which we cannot discuss price etc.
The British Minister letter to Liang Taotai (T.Y.)
strongly supports the British and Chinese Corporation
conditions.
exception of Auditor.
Intention is to have a Managing Director of Prov-
ince of Hupeh, another Province of Hunan.
Inasmuch as financial Loan will benefit chiefly
Japanese interests no other arrangements to be expect-
ed unless they support.
February 25th 1909.
Referring to my telegram of the 24th continuing
I am of opinion Chang Chih Tung is prepared to accept
Tientsin Chinkiang Railway conditions with the excep-
tion