16
C.O 30327
[This Document is the Property of His Britannic Majesty's Government.j
EG? !! SEP 09
CHINA RAILWAYS.
CONFIDENTIAL.
AUS
[August 9.]
SECTION 4.
[30073]
(No. 131.)
(Telegraphic.) P.
No. 1.
Sir Edward Grey to Sir J. Jordan.
Foreign Office, August 9, 1909.
YOUR telegram No. 122 [of 22nd July]. Paulings believe Japanese are afraid of American railway activity in North China, and are now no longer actively hostile to their concession for Chenchow-Taonan Railway, with extension to Tsitsihar. They are anxious that you should inform Wai- wu Pu that they have our support, and use your influence with Japanese Legation to facilitate settlement.
This information does not tally with statement of Japanese Ambassador ou 24th July that Japanese Government are opposed to all projects which would tap main line at places like Tsitsihar, and thus divert traffic from South Manchuria. I should be glad to learn how matter now stands, and whether you have given Lord ffrench any support recently. Would it not be possible for Lord ffrench to discuss railway development in Manchuria with the Japanese Minister?
[2389 -4]