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difficulty in prescribing or recommending the adoption of any
particular schemes. Moreover it is clear that even if
undertaken by English contractors they would involve relatively
less demand for British materials and manufactures than the
schemes for railway rehabilitation above referred to.
The Board see, however, no reason why the Chinese Government
should not be invited in so far as they apply the funds for
other ends than railway rehabilitation to purchase in this
country such imported plant and materials as may be necessary
for the purpose.
The Department of Overseas Trade, who have been
consulted upon this matter, concur in these conclusions.
I have, etc.,
(sa) H. Fountain.
: