This Document is the Property of His Britannic Majesty's Government
C.0. 19075
CHINA RAILWAYS.
CONFIDENTIAL.
(10109]
No. 1.
Pace Race 9 JUN 0o
[March 16.]
461
SECTION 3.
t
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Sir J. Jordan to Sir Edward Grey.--(Received March 16.)
(No. 62.) (Telegraphic.) P.
Peking, March 16, 1909. PLEASE refer to previous telegrams respecting Canton-Hankow negotiations, particularly my No 59 of the 12th instant and your Nos. 42 and 44 of the 10th and 12th. The following consideration has hitherto prevented my making the proposed written representations to Liang Tun-yen, and leaves me in doubt as to the advisability of doing so at present.
Were the negotiations at present proceeding in London to prove successful, the Chinese might well consider that, in addressing a written protest to them based on the undertaking given on the 13th February to the representatives of the British and Chinese Corporation, I had been merely trying to gain time pending the formation in Europe of a combination against the Chinese.
There is on the other hand the possibility that a passive attitude on my part may allow the Germans to make the necessary preparations with a view to the signature of a final Agreement as soon as they are informed of an abortive conclusion to the discussions in London. They would probably allege a misunderstanding such as they have pleaded previously.
I have had two interviews with my German colleague, who, however, made no mention of the subject on either occasion.
[2193 q-3]