}
C.O.
10492
This Document is the Property of His Britannic Majesty's Government.]
2
In consultation with M. Casenave, E. G. Hillier, I am (we are) of opinion Chang Chih Tung's proposal unacceptable to the British and Chinese Corporation, offering prospect of trouble with no profit. Telegraph instructions as soon as possible.
(A.) February 23, 1909.
Referring to my telegram of to-day, the British Minister has informed Liang Taotai (T.Y.) the British Government expect Chang Chih Tung, in fulfilment of obligations, not accept any foreign offer until submitted to himself, reasonable time allowed for consideration British capitalists.
If the British Government insist upon this it is probable competition will not be serious.
(B.) February 24, 1909.
Referring to your telegram of the 23rd (requesting Mr. Bland to telegraph seriatim Chang Chib Tung's final conditions), Chang Chih Tung offers no final conditions. His position is as stated my Memorandum 24th December, telegram 3rd February. Declines to accept our conditions with regard to Engineer-in-chief, without which we cannot discuss price, &c.
The British Minister's letter to Liang Taotai (T.Y.) strongly supports the British and Chinese Corporation conditions.
February 25, 1909.
Referring to my telegram of the 24th continuing, I am of opinion Chang Chil Tung is prepared to accept Tien-tsin-Chinkiang Railway conditions with the exception of Auditor.
Intention is to have a Managing Director of Province of Hupeh, another Province of Hunan.
Inasmuch as financial loan will benefit chiefly Japanese interests, no other ' arrangements to be expected unless they support.
CHINA RAILWAYS.
4 G
CONFIDENTIAL.
[8370]
Sir,
No. 1.
TREGE 25 MAR 09
691
[March 3.]
SECTION 2.
Messrs. Vickers, Sons, and Maxim to Foreign Office.--(Received March 3.)
32, Victoria Street, London, March 1, 1909. WE have the honour to acknowledge receipt of your letter of the 27th ultimo. It appears to us that confusion arose by a statement having been made to the Chinese authorities without our knowledge that the 10,000,0001. loan referred to was to include provision for the supply of railway material.
Immediately we discovered this we cabled to our representative in China to with- draw all mention of railway material, and we trust that this has so modified the situation as to satisfy the request made by Sir J. Jordan.
[2193 c-2]
We have, &c. (Signed) V. CAILLARD, Director.