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were continued after 1930. Of course the continuation of the
agreements really meant a continuation of their present monopoly.
Speaking privately and quite frankly, Sir John was not sanguine
that the Companies would obtain such an extension of their
rights; but he wanted to get one if he could, and he wished, if
possible, to be supported in this. If the Chinese wanted their
loan, the instructions sent Mr. Bullard, the Company's representa- tive in Peking, were to meet their wishes provided the existing
agreements wore extended: the two things hung together, loan
and extension.
7.
These considerations were laid before the Post Oice
authorities who were prepared to acquiesce in the official support of His Majesty's Government being accorded to the
Companies if the Foreign Office were satisfied that it could properly be given in the circumstances without the danger of international complications.
8. From the above statement of the facts, you will observa that the Companies proposals at this point involved three distinct headings:-
(a) The continuance of the right to control and work the
existing cables between Shanghai, Chefoo and Taku:
and to work the new cable which the Chinese Administration
proposo to lay between Shanghai and Chefoo.
(b) The exclusive right to lay and work on behalf of the Administration any additional cables required by the traffic between Shanghai, Chefoo and Taku. (o) The continued right to vote the landing in China jof
cables from other countries.
0.