j.
2
Brought forward
H.P. FL.P. Taels. 101,161.02
[This Document is the Property of His Britannic Majesty's Goper0792
CHINA RAILWAYS.
CONFIDENTIAL.
REP Rec° 17 FC 09
[November 29.]
SECTION 2.
317
From which must be deducted-
Interest on loan accrued and paid by the Chinese
Government-
June 30, 1907
December 31, 1907
June 30, 1908
December 31, 1908
June 30, 1909
Total
At exchange 2s. 6d. 795,800-00 Tien-tsin taels at 101
Total
£
d.
19,895 0 0
19,895 0 છે
19,895 0 0
19,895 0 0
19.895 0 0
99,475 0 0
787,920-79
686,759-77
The amount of 686,759'77 H.P. H.P. taels represents the net loss to the Chinese Government on the working of the Tao-Ching Railway from the commencement of operation, viz., the 1st July, 1905, to the 30th June, 1909, which amount, at 101, equals 693,627-37 Tien-tsin taels, and, taken at the arbitrary rate of 2s. 6d. to the £, equals 86,7031. 8s. 5d.
By way of general remarks I may add that, with the working of coal at the syndicate's mines, railway receipts commenced to improve, and when the freight rolling stock is increased the figures will still further improve; but it is doubtful whether this short 90-mile line can ever flourish to any great degree. Its prosperity would be assured were it extended to join with the Tsin-Pu trunk line.
I have, &c.
JAS. R. BRAZIER.
[43822]
No. 1.
Sir Edward Grey to Sir J. Jordan,
(No. 191. Confidential.) (Telegraphic.) R.
Foreign Office, November 29, 1909. YOUR telegram No. 178 of the 7th November: Aigun Railway.
I informed Japanese Ambassador on the 26th November that I had learnt that Messrs. Pauling were acting in co-operation with an American group, and that it was possible I might be asked to support the project definitely at Peking. I had therefore told the American Ambassador that, though I welcomed American and British co-operation in Manchuria, I must be free to support a request for Japanese participa- tion in this railway if such a request was put forward.
Japanese Ambassador replied that his Government were aware of agreement between Pauling's agent and Straight, and that Japanese Minister bad informed Natung that Japanese expected to be kept informed, as they might be obliged to oppose the railway if agreement were concluded without their being consulted. Natung said he would bear this in mind.
We have not yet heard what American view is, but I have no reason to suppose that they will object to Japanese participation.
(Repeated to Tokyo.)
[2486 -2]