[This Document is the Property of His Britannic Majesty's Government.]
309
[B]
AFFAIRS OF CHINA.
CONFIDENTIAL.
5654
Rece
Rro? 24 FEB 10,
[February 9.]
SECTION 2.
[3514]
(No. 52.) Sir,
No. 1.
Sir Edward Grey to Sir J, Jordan,
Foreign Office, February 9, 1910. I HAVE received your despatch No. 20 of the 12th ultimo, transmitting copies of further correspondence which has passed between yourself and the Russian Minister respecting the conditions attaching to the leasing of land by British subjects in the Russian railway territories in Manchuria.
I concur with you in thinking that the modifications introduced by General Horvat in the terms of "the note of promise" have removed the more objectionable features of the undertaking, and I approve your action in informing M. Korostovetz that you are prepared to authorise His Majesty's consular representatives to attest the signature of any British subject who may subscribe to the uote. It is, of course, clearly under- stood that this formality does not in any way commit His Majesty's Government to an approval of the terms of the note.
[2633 -2]
I am, &c.
E. GREY.