*)
[This Document is the Property of His Britannic Majesty's Government,]
CHINA RAILWAYS.
CONFIDENTIAL.
92
Hra 23 NOV 09
[August 31.]
SECTION 3.
[32867]
No. 1.
Sir J. Jordan to Sir Edward Grey.--(Received August 31.)
(No. 143.) (Telegraphic.) P.
Peking, August 31, 1909. CHINCHOW-TSITSIHAR Railway. Please refer to my telegram No. 142 of the
27th instant.
I took the opportunity of an interview to-day with the former Viceroy of Manchuria, who is now president of the Board of Communications, to turn the conversation unobtrusively to the proposed Chinchow-Tsitsihar Railway.
His Excellency first declared his intention of proceeding with the negotiations with Paulings as heretofore, but was anxious to know whether there existed any agreement between the British firm and the Japanese. I replied that no such arrangement had been made, and added that in this respect Paulings would act as desired by the Chinese Government.
His Excellency did not avail himself of the opening thus given him to state the wishes of his Government in this connection. He made quite clear, however, his personal objection to any form of Japanese participation, and declared himself highly pleased to learn from an authoritative source that the rumours of an understanding between Paulings and the Japanese were devoid of foundation.
[2389 hh--3]
Tune