This Document is the Property of His Britannic Majesty's Government.]
6
These mortgages are always registered at the British Consulate, and, as far as I can learn, no inconvenience has been experienced by German borrowers on this
account.
The principal German firms in Canton are branches or agencies of firms established in Hong Kong, subject to absolute British jurisdiction, and as the money borrowed on mortgages is almost invariably for purposes connected with the firm's business in Hong Kong or China the recognition of such mortgages by German Courts would not appear to be of any particular importance.
Moreover, although all existing mortgages are drawn up in English form, I do not think we should refuse to register a mortgage deed executed in German and according to German legal forms. We should, of course, require a certified copy to be deposited on registration.
I am convinced that the German community in Canton, in numerical strength second only to our own, would strongly protest against being subjected to British jurisdiction, especially as that jurisdiction would not, under the arrangement suggested by Dr. Kriege, be extended to all foreign residents on the Concession.
I have, &c. (Signed) HARRY H. FOX.
AFFAIRS OF CHINA.
CONFIDENTIAL,
[7345]
265
C.O. 15433
[February 23.]
SECTION 2.
RECO
SoGP 7 MAY CO
No. 1,
Sir J. Jordan to Sir Edward Grey-(Received February 23.)
(No. 49.)
Peking, February 23, 1909. (Telegraphic.) P.
YUAN SHIH-KAI. From the inquiries I have made it does not appear that Yuan's friends consider that he is in any such personal danger as that indicated in your telegram No. 33 of the 19th instant, though he is still exposed to continuous attacks on the part of the Censors and of his opponents.
I have been speaking to Liang, the Associate-President of the Wai-wu Pu, who tells me that he was ordered by the Prince Regent yesterday morning to convey to my American colleague and myself an assurance of his particular wish to maintain the friendliest relations with our two Governments.
Should any further measures be now in contemplation against Yuan, the above assurance may possibly have been made with a view to palliate our possible opposition. I do not, however, believe this to be the case, and prefer to regard it as an amicable reply to our joint representations at the time of Yuan Shi-k'ai's dismissal.
[2155 -2]
0
re