325
(44991/13)
in the more remote parts of China.
I am to inform you that the highest importance is
attached to these amendments by Sir J. Jordan and Sir E.
Fraser, who are of opinion that without them the whole of
Their views are
the present scheme will prove valueless.
shared by Sir E. Grey, who, having regard to the urgent
need for establishing without delay some strong measures of
control over the proceedings of British Companies in China,
earnestly trusts that Mr. Harcourt will raise no objections
to them.
Sir J. Jordan and Sir E. Fraser are moreover in favour
of inserting a provision in the Draft Order, which will make
clear that the Consul General at Shanghai as Registrar of
Companies is entitled to initiate proceedings in the Supreme
Court at Shanghai to enforce compliance with the terms of
the Order by a British company in China. Sir E. Grey is
inclined to agree as to the desirability of this course, and
he has accordingly invited the observations of the Board of
Trade upon the following sub-article which it is proposed to
introduce into Clause 3:-
"The