C.O
would then discuss the matter, if required, with the Chinese Government. Count Komura promised to keep me informed of the progress of the Aatung-Mukden Railway negotiations. I have forwarded a copy of this despatch to His Majesty's Minister at Peking.
I have, &c.
HORACE RUMBOLD.
P.S.-I should mention that I told both Count Komura and Mr. Ishii how interested you were in a settlement being reached regarding the questions in dispute between China and Japan.
H. R.
[This Document is the Property of His Britannic Majesty's Government 9050
AFFAIRS OF CHINA.
CONFIDENTIAL.
[28113]
No. 1.
[July 26.]
SECTION 3.
GP 31 AUG 09
315
Sir J. Jordan to Sir Edward Grey.-(Received July 26.)
(No. 247.) Sir,
Peking, July 7, 1909. IN my telegram No. 96 of the 28th May last I stated that it was the opinion of several of the foreign representatives here that the detailed regulations contemplated in the agreement of the 10th May between Russia and China regarding railway settlements in Manchuria should be drawn up in consultation with the consuls of the treaty Powers, and in your telegraphic reply, No. 100 of the 1st June, you authorised me to make a communication in this sense to the Wai-wu Pu.
This I did in a note dated the 23rd June, copy of which I have the honour to enclose. The Wai-wu Pu, to whom I had previously explained the attitude of His Majesty's Government towards the question, suggested that, as the negotiations were likely to be carried on at Harbin, and we had no consular representative at that place, the best course would be for His Majesty's consul-general at Mukden to place himself iu communication with the Viceroy there, who would keep him informed of the progress of events, and give him an opportunity of making any suggestions that he might desire to offer.
I have communicated the foregoing information to His Majesty's consul-general at Mukden in a despatch, copy of which is likewise enclosed, and shall furnish Mr. Willis with fuller instructions as soon as I learn from him that the negotiations are to be carried on at Harbin, of which there seems to be some doubt at present.
My American colleague has taken similar action, and I understand that the German and Austrian Ministers are also prepared to claim a consultative voice in the framing of the regulations.
I have, &c.
J. N. JORDAN.
Your Highness,
Inclosure 1 in No. 1.
Sir J. Jordan to Prince Ching.
June 23, 1909. I HAVE the honour to inform your Highness that I duly communicated to His Majesty's Government copies of the preliminary arrangement of the 10th May last, relating to the organisation of municipalities on the lands of the Chinese Eastern Railway, which was concluded between the Wai-wu Pu and his Excellency the Russian Minister, M. Korostovetz, and of the notes exchanged between the Russian Legation and Prince Ch'ing on the same date, which declare that the treaty rights and privileges of foreign subjects will be respected.
I am instructed by His Majesty's Government to point out, with reference to the preliminary arrangement, and especially with reference to the detailed regulations mentioned in article 17 thereof, that rules for the government of international municipalities in China must receive the approval of the treaty Powers before they can be made applicable to foreign subjects. I am to suggest that these regulations should be drawn up in consultation with the diplomatic or consular authorities of the Powers concerned.
At a recent interview, when I explained to your Highness's board the attitude of His Majesty's Government towards this question, the Ministers present informed me that the negotiation of the detailed regulations was likely to be opened at Harbin, and suggested that, as there was no British consul there, His Majesty's consul-general at Mukden might keep in touch with the Viceroy, who would inform him of their progress and give him an opportunity of making any suggestions that occurred to him on the subject.
[2353 CC -3]