(771
The Committee are given to understand that Your Excellency has personally taken considerable interest in the projected railway and in this belief are emboldened to address you on the subject.
The reasons for the construction of this railway are so well understood that it would appear to be almost superfluous to recapitulate them, but we would especially urge upon Your Excellency the fact that while it is clearly to the advantage of British trade generally that Hong Kong should be in direct railway connection with the main trunk lines of China, a very serious and probable irreparable blow will be dealt to the welfare of this Colony were Canton first connected by rail with the sea at any other point than through Hong Kong.
There are, we consider, several places outside British Territory at which a terminus could be established, and we have only too good reason to fear that some of England's numerous commercial rivals may not be disinclined to use their influence in striking a blow at our prosperity.
Unfortunately, the Committee have not before them the text of the agreement made with the Imperial Chinese Government for the construction of a railway from Chinese Kowloon (as it was then) to Canton and are in some doubt therefore as to the exact terms of this agreement. We understand, however, that there are certain limitations imposed upon the Concessionaires and that unless these are complied with, the Concession can be cancelled.
The Committee give all credit to the endeavours made by the Concessionaires to raise the necessary funds required for the construction of the line, which we understand are estimated at one and a half million pounds sterling, and are prepared to believe that the difficulties in the way have been of such a nature as to preclude the possibility of the necessary sum being obtained on the home market.
Under these circumstances, we would most strongly urge that representations be made to the Foreign Office with a view to securing the guarantee of the Imperial Government on the capital required, and trust that in view of the importance to British trade in China which the construction of the railway implies, Your Excellency will find it possible to endorse our request and submit the matter for the consideration of His Majesty's Government.
I would...
1
(
771
The Committee are given to understand that Your Ekcellency has
personally taken considerable interest in the projected railway and in this
belief are emboldened to address you on the subject.
The reasons for the construction of this railway are so well under-
stood that it would appear to be almost superfluous to recapitulate them, but
we would especially urge upon Your Excellency the fact that while it is clear-
ly to the advantage of British trade generally that Hong Kong should be in
direct railway connection with the main trunk lines of China, a very serious
and probable irreparable blow will be dealt to the welfare of this Colony
were Canton first connected by rail with the sea at any other point than
through Hong Kong.
There are we consider, several places outside British Territory at
which a terminus could be established, and we have only too good reason to
fear that some of England's numerous commercial rivels may not be disinclined
to use their influence in striking a blow at our prosperity.
Unfortunately the Committee have not before them the text of the
agreement made with the Imperial Chinese Government for the construction of a
railway from Chinese Bowloon (as it was then) to Canton and are in some
doubt therefore as to the exact terms of this agreement. We understand,
however, that there are certain limitations imposed upon the Concessionaires
and that unless these are complied with the Concession can be cancelled.
The Committee give all credit to the endeavours made by the Concess-
ionaires to raise the necessary funds required for the construction of the
line, which we understand are estimated at one and half million pounds sterling,
and are prepared to believe that the difficulties in the way have been of
such a nature as to preclude the possibility of the necessary sum being
obtained on the home market.
Under these circumstances, we would most strongly urge that
representations be made to the Foreign Office with a view to securing the guarantee of the Imperial Government on the capital required, and trust that in view of the importanee to British trade in China which the construction of the railway implies, Your Excellency will find it possible to endorse our request
and submit the matter for the consideration of His Majesty's Government.
I would
No comments yet.
Private notes are available after approval.