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$ 500
Paraphrase of telegram 20 from Sir B. Alston, Peking.
16th January, 1921.
1
271
Very Urgent.
Referring to telegram No. 521 from me.
He
I went to see Minister of Communications and personally asked him whether the rumour I had heard that Chinese Goverment had almost concluded an agreement with an American Company by which high powered wireless stations were to be erected in China by which the question of Cable Monopoly must eventually be raised, was correct. He begɛed me not to insist upon an answer to my questions thereby proving that what I had heard was correct. in return asked for what reason I was interested in the matter and I replied by referring in general terms to Marconi contract of Hey 24th 1919 and to negotiations on the part of Eriksen in London. It was then stated by Minister that he had no knowledge that Briksen had been authorised to negotiate on any matters except the purchase of a cable repair ship for Chinese Government.
He said with regard to Marooni (Chinese National Wireless Company) rights that he would go into the matter of my claim that negotiations with Americans constituted breach of former's agree-
ment.
I am comunicating with American Legation and entering a formal protest but it seems absolutely necessary for the transfer of Eastern Company's negotiations to Peking at once and I should like to have instructions as soon as possible so that I can put matter right with Minister of Communications direct.