CO129-344 - Public Offices & Foreign Office - 1907 — Page 335

DRAFT.

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Government could not view with equanimity

the prospect of the line from Canton north-

wards being controlled, even partially, by

French Engineers. His Lordship's objections

to the proposal are shared by Sir M."athan who

has been consulted in the matter, and it is

clear from the enclosure to your letter of

the 27th ultimo that Sir J.Jordan takes a

similar view.

11.

Lord Elgin has not overlooked the

fact that a refusal to accept the French

proposal may lead to further delay in the

construction of the line, but he is of

opinion that this consideration is one of

minor importance.

I am, &c.,

;