36990
[This Document is the Property of His Britannic Majesty's Government.]
RESP
Cre? | NOV 09
C
CHINA TRADE.
CONFIDENTIAL.
[38854]
No. 1.
Sir Edward Grey to Sir J. Jordan.
[October 29.]
SECTION 2.
78
(No. 320.) Sir,
Foreign Office, October 29, 1909. I TRANSMIT to you herewith a copy of a letter which I have received from Messrs. M. Samuel and Co. in regard to the question of obtaining contracts from the Chinese Government. A copy of ray reply is also enclosed.*
You will observe that Messrs. Samuel represent that unless they and their agents, Messrs. Samuel MacGregor and Co., are recommended by His Majesty's Legation to the heads of the Chinese Administration as fully qualified to handle any Chinese Government business which they may undertake, they will be unable to break through the monopoly at present enjoyed by the British and Chinese Corporation.
On the occasion of their interview at this Office on the 19th instant the members of the firm were informed that the British and Chinese Corporation had no monopoly of Government support, and were reminded of the reasons given to them earlier in the year for which His Majesty's Government were unable to afford them support in the particular business of the Hankow-Canton Railways, and they appreciated the offer made to assist them in undertakings in China for which His Majesty's Government were not elsewhere committed.
They insist, however, that for such support to be effective it is necessary that His Majesty's Legation should take the initiative in introducing them to the Chinese Government as a firm of good standing--a course which is apparently followed by the representatives of other Governments.
I should be glad to have your observations on Messrs. Samuel's letter, and, in particular, to learn what is the practice of other legations in Peking with regard to furthering the trade of their nationals. It might perhaps be possible for His Majesty's Legation when so requested to furnish the Chinese Government with the name of any firm for whose standing His Majesty's Government would be prepared to vouch.
ain, &c.
E. GREY.
* Messrs. Samuel and Co., October 20; to ditto, October 29, 1909.
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