F
41
Mr. Tseng said he had yet had no instructions to
pass on this information, and he therefore asked me to treat
it as strictly confidential until Ar. Chang Kia-ngau informed
me himself of these developments. He knew, however, of the
importance which British interests attached to this loop line,
and the personal interest taken in the question by Sir 7.
Leith-RoMB. It was for these reasons that he gave me this
information on a personal basis as early as possible.
I thanked Mr. Taeng for his kindness in passing on
this good news so promptly, and said that I apprcaiated
the conditions under which it was given. i hoped it would
be possible for är. Chang Kia-ngau to inform the British
Embassy officially of this development at an early date,
as I was sure it would greatly facilitate future negotiations:
for possible British participation in railway development
in South China.
(signed) E.L. HALL-PATCH.
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