169
(3)
paragraph covering point could of course be inserted in
note of assurances if he so desired but that matter was
left by His Majesty's Government entirely to discretion
of Chinese Government. At the same time it seemed to me
on balance a good arrangement. Trust would of course be
appointed solely by Chinese Government but we would hope
it would contain British members of really good standing:
it might follow lines of Willingdon report.
6. Our proposals for settlement of railway debts
appeared to meet with entire approval, only point he made
being that payment should be spread over a number of years,
in which I concurred.
7. I request early reply.
Addressed to Foreign Office No. 11, repeated to
Peking, Hongkong.