[This Document is the Property of His Britannic Majesty's Government.)
167
CO
CHINA RAILWAYS.
CONFIDENTIAL.
[122]
No. 1.
3502
[January]?
23 FEB 10,
SECTION 1.
Sir A. Nicolson to Sir Edward Grey-(Received January 1.)
(No. 1.) (Telegraphic.) P.
St. Petersburgh, January 1, 1910. PROJECTED railway from Chinchow to Aigun. Your telegram No. 1375 of the 30th December.
In a conversation which I had to-day with M. Isvolsky, I gave his Excellency an account of the present position with regard to the railway. I do not think that M. Isvolsky, who spoke to me quite cheerfully, will raise the question of the 1899 engagements again. He showed considerable doubt as to whether there would be any inclination on the part of Japan to participate in the proposed line. He said that at present he could give me no indication as to what Russis would do, as there were several points of view from which the question must first be carefully studied.
I was afraid, from what the American Ambassador had told me, that M. Isvolsky might adopt the attitude indicated in my telegram No. 521 of yesterday and raise serious objections and make difficulties, so that I was glad to find him in so amiable a frame of mind.
[2881 a-1]