CO129-330 - Public Offices - 1905 — Page 569

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"Corporation, to privately ascertain whether Sheng Kung Pao

"desires to personally conduct the Canton Kowloon Railway

"negotiations. The Governor of Hongkong would prefer that

"the negotiations should be carried on with the Viceroy of

"Canton, but he recognises that the position is a delicate

"one,

and the question is therefore left open pending the

"private enquiries to be made when Mr. Ross reaches Shanghai

"If it is then evident that Sheng would resent the negotia-

"tions being taken out of his hands, no attempt will be made

#to do so,

and when interviewing Sir E. Satow in Peking

Ross will be guided entirely by the advice given him

*in this matter by your Shanghai Agents."

"MT

We have nothing further to report beyond that from a

telegram received on the 1st. May respecting Northern Railway

affairs we were made aware that Mr. Ross was in Peking and in

communication with H. B. M. Minister. We are telegraphing

tonight for information.

We are,

sir, 65.

Your obedient Servants,

THE BRITISH AND CHINESE CORPORATION, LIMITED.

per.

(Signed) W. KESWICK.

Chairman.