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[This Document is the Property of His Britannic Majesty's Government.]
RECE (REGo 24 APR OC)
AFFAIRS OF CHINA.
CONFIDENTIAL.
[5605]
No. 1.
[February 10.]
SECTION 3.
Sir J. Jordan to Sir Edward Grey.—(Received February 10.)
(No. 42.) (Telegraphic.) P.
Peking, February 10, 1909. IN reply to your telegram No. 28 of the 8th instant, I am of opinion that we shall have to take exception sooner or later to the policy pursued by the Russians in regard. to the Railway Settlement at Harbin. There is now a British firm engaged in business at that place, and as I have received an appeal for assistance from them it seems to me that the present can be considered an opportune moment for making a further representation on the inconsistency between the Russian policy and equality of commercial opportunity. Such a representation is in my opinion most desirable.
(Secret.)
The difference in views existing between the Russian Ministry for Foreign Affairs and the Finance Department, in whose hands lies the control of the Railway Adminis- tration, places my Russian colleague in a difficult position.
M. Korostovetz, with whom I have had frequent interviews, finds himself faced by the contention, vigorously put forward by the Railway Administration, that Russia, supported as she is by Japan in this question and having nothing to fear from the interference of the other Powers, can afford to disregard China's protests. M. Koros- tovetz knows well that this contention is unsound and has advised his Government accordingly, suggesting instead a number of compromises founded on the principle of the creation of an international Settlement on such land as may remain after setting apart an area sufficient for genuine railway requirements. In this connection I would refer to my despatch No. 501 of the 4th November, 1908.
Any representation to the Russian Government would strengthen the Russian Minister's position as opposed to the Railway Administration, and would be welcomed by him; he is, however, extremely anxious that his name should not be mentioned.
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