This Document is the Property of His Britannic Majesty's Government.)
Page 363
AFFAIRS OF CHINA.
CONFIDENTIAL.
[September 1st, 1906]
TREG 3 OCT 06 SECTION 1.
700
[30788]
(No. 160.)
No. 1.
Sir Edward Grey to Sir J. Jordan.
(Telegraphic.) P.
Foreign Office, September 12, 1906.
PLEASE refer to Mr. Carnegie's telegram No. 166 of the 10th instant on the subject of the Soochow-Ningpo Railway.
We must hold the Chinese Government responsible for the Board of Commerce memorials, which have received Imperial sanction, and in accordance with which the right to construct this line is to be granted to purely Chinese Companies, notwithstanding that by a formal, if preliminary, agreement this right was reserved to a British Syndicate.
The statement of Prince Ching, that until the conclusion of a final agreement—the discussion of which he, at the same time, refuses to enter upon—the provincial authorities cannot be told that the line is reserved to foreigners, is most unsatisfactory, and suspicion as to the good faith of China in the matter is naturally aroused thereby.
The Chinese Government should be made to understand that the continued delay which has been interposed to the conclusion of these negotiations has impressed us very unfavourably; and that, while China's desire to develop the country by her own resources commands the sympathy of His Majesty's Government, we have a right to insist that the obligations already undertaken by her shall be duly fulfilled.
His Majesty's Government will be much disappointed if more time is suffered to elapse without any progress being made with any of these concessions, and their attitude with regard to the loan and other matters must be unfavourably affected.
When, however, you have considered the situation, I shall be glad to be put in possession of your views, and I will await any suggestions you have to put forward.
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Page 363
0
This Document is the Property of His Britannic Majesty's Government.)
0.
36382
AFFAIRS OF CHINA.
CONFIDENTIAL.
[September 1kC
TREG 3 OCT 06 SECTION 1.
700
[30788]
(No. 160.)
No. 1.
Sir Edward Grey to Sir J. Jordan.
(Telegraphic.) P.
Foreign Office, September 12, 1906. PLEASE refer to Mr. Carnegie's telegram No. 166 of the 10th instant on the subject of the Soochow-Ningpo Railway.
We must hold the Chinese Government responsible for the Board of Commerce memorials, which have received Imperial sanction, and in accordance with which the right to construct this line is to be granted to purely Chinese Companies, notwithstanding that by a formal if preliminary agreement this right was reserved to a British Syndicate.
The statement of Prince Ching, that until the conclusion of a final agreement-- the discussion of which he, at the same time, refuses to enter upon-the provincial authorities cannot be told that the line is reserved to foreigners, is most unsatisfactory, and suspicion as to the good faith of China in the matter is naturally aroused thereby. The Chinese Government should be made to understand that the continued delay which has been interposed to the conclusion of these negotiations has impressed us very unfavourably; and that, while China's desire to develop the country by her own resources commands the sympathy of His Majesty's Government, we have a right to insist that the obligations already undertaken by her shall be duly fulfilled.
His Majesty's Government will be much disappointed if more time is suffered to elapse without any progress being made with any of these concessions, and their attitude with regard to the loan and other matters must be unfavourably affected. When, however, you have considered the situation, I shall be glad to be put in possession of your views, and I will await any suggestions you have to put forward.
[2146 r
M
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