Copy.
338
C.O. 16147
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PLA MAY OC
Telegram from Sir E. Grey, Foreign Office to Sir J.
Jordan, No. 92.P. dated May 12th, 1909.
Hankow-Canton and Hankow-Szechuan Railways.
My telegram No. 90 of May 11th.
It is well understood in the matter of these two
lines that we have already promised our exclusive sup-
port. If however a general agreement is concluded
between Great Britain, France and Germany regarding
Chinese Railways it will be necessary to stipulate
that for the future we are unable to tie ourselves to
support one particular firm alone and to deny our sup-
port to other reputable British firms desirous of com-
peting for a share in Chinese railway business. It
will probably be difficult to persuade the French and
German Governments and the French and German groups
to accept a stipulation of this kind. Does any ob-
servation on this point occur to you?
Mr. Addis has had this fully explained to him by
me and before the signature of any general agreement
he is to make it clear to the meeting that will take
place at Berlin.
Mr
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