392
be in a position to consider this matter, I forward the
enclosed copy of a Memorandum dated the 26th. instant
which has been drawn up at my request by Mr. E. S. Lindsey,
the Chief Resident Engineer of the British Section, and I
would also refer to Mr. Lindsey's letter of the 15th.
ultimo, a copy of which was enclosed in my Confidential
Despatch of the 18th. idem.
Mr. Lindsey shows that an agree-
-ment such as he outlines and which embodies the terms
upon which this Government would have to insist,
would
pay the British Section of the Railway quite well. But
there is no question that joint management, as provided for
in the Working Agreement submitted by this Government, is
the sounder business proposition inasmuch as it ensures
greater facilities for expansion of traffic and would
undoubtedly be cheaper for both Sections and especially
for the Chinese Section.
You
28964
3.
I have, therefore, to urge that
a strenuous effort should be made to induce the Board of
Communications to accept the Working Agreement as drafted;
and in this connection I would refer Your Lordship to my
Confidential Despatch of the 26th. instant on the subject
of the proposed Customs Agreement which may furnish a use-
-ful
Į