į
C.O. 17899
[This Document is the Property of His Britannic Majesty's Government.]
CHINA RAILWAYS,
CONFIDENTIAL.
[17536]
No. 1.
Rece 27 MAY 09
[May 12.]
SECTION 1.
428
Sir Edward Grey to Sir J. Jordun.
(No. 92.) (Telegraphic.) P.
Foreign Office, May 12, 1909. HANKOW-CANTON and Hankow-Szechuan Railways. My telegram No. 90 of the 11th instant.
It is well understood in the matter of these two lines that we have already promised our exclusive support. 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 support 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 observation 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. Addis will therefore, if a general Agreement is not found possible, fall back upon the alternative of securing a satisfactory arrangement regarding the Szechuan line extension before he signs the loan Agreement which is now under negotiation.
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