A
We may in consequence lay ourselves open to accusation of aiding Chinese economy at a critical period.
5. Nevertheless, in view of Hong Kong's position as a trade centre, I would propose, subject to your concurrence, to authorize General Manager of British section to proceed with agreement as regards through goods traffic for period of six months, subject to abrogation of one month's notice on either side, and to defer for the time being any agreement regarding through passenger trains on grounds that security requirements of both sides cannot at present be satis- factorily reconciled. This is not likely to cause resentment as interest of Chinese authorities is centred on goods traffic and through passenger trains are for them a comparatively minor consideration.
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