48
and he infor ed me that he had received assurances that
the ramp was only being constructed for emergency use in
time of war and it was not intended to allow any traffic
by motor-buses etc. across the üheklung bridges. Ho
added that he was satisfied with the assurances given to him.
Subsequently I was in telephonic conversation with
Mr. Stratton who stated also that he was satisfied that
the position was safe for the time being. I may add that
I had prepared a despatch to karshal Chem Chá T'ang
requesting his intervention, but in view of the above
reassuring reports I have refrained so far from sending
any written communication. I had previously hinted to
Mr. Li Luk Chao that failing a satisfactory arrangement
it would be my duty to write to Marshal Chen and that
knowledge evidently acted as an incentive to increase
his efforts, as he informed me that he had twice seen the
Marshal on this subject.
3.
The latest news is contained in a letter from
the managing Director to the Engineer-in-Chief, dated
the 34th instant stating the 3rd árnỹ hua been instructed
to erect wooden feneing at both ends of the earthwork ramp.
A copy of this letter is enclosed.
4.
with reference to paragraph 4 of Your
Excellency's despatch No. 16, I learn from Mr. stratton
that he does not consider that the railway bridge is strong
enou a to admit of the construction of a roadway upon
cantilevers projecting from the bridge.
I have the honour to be,
sir.
Your Excellency's most obedient,
humble servant,
(Signed) Herbert Phillips.
Cenaul_fanara).