5
Such a course of action I venture to submit is likely to prove by far the most satisfactory, both for the general interests of international trade, and for British interests in particular, and I venture to suggest that an objection to the fixed bridge should be made through the proper official channel at the earliest date possible, in order that a decision may be arrived at before the Japanese plans have further matured.
Failing this and as a second but less desirable alternative it is to be recommended that before the commencement of the construction of the bridge the question of obtaining suitable accommodation for British shipping interests below the bridge from the Japanese should be at once taken up, as when once the bridge becomes a fait accompli there will be much greater difficulty in obtaining favourable terms.
(Signed) W. R. M. RUSSELL.
Antung, December 4, 1907.
Inclosure 2 in No. 1.
Sir J. Jordan to Baron Hayashi.
My dear Colleague and Minister,
Peking, December 18, 1907. WITH reference to our conversation of the 16th instant in regard to the proposed railway bridge across the River Yalu at Antung, I beg to formulate the reasons which in my opinion make it desirable, in the interests of the commercial development of Antung, that this bridge should take the form of a drawbridge instead of a fixed structure, and that it should, if possible, cross the river above the native city instead of below it, as is at present proposed. I may add that my American colleague fully concurs in my views.
The present anchorage for steamers and other vessels commences some 500 yards above the site indicated for the bridge, and ends at the line of the proposed bridge which at present forms the lower harbour limit.
The native city and the site of the proposed general foreign settlement are above the proposed bridge and any structure across the river which interferes with free navigation will exclude junks and steamers from the higher anchorage, and be detrimental to the commercial and shipping interests of the port.
The land on the Chinese side of the river below the proposed bridge has for a distance of over 2,000 yards been acquired by the Japanese for railway and settlement purposes, and the effect of a fixed bridge would be that Japan would obtain a virtual monopoly and control of junk and steamer commerce.
I feel sure that such a consummation would be opposed to the well-known desire of the Japanese Government for equal commercial opportunities in China to all nations, and am confident that they will, in the interests of the commercial world in general, either decide in favour of a drawbridge, or bridge the river at some point above the native city and proposed foreign settlement, to which no objection can be found.
I should be much obliged if your Excellency would be so good as to submit these considerations to the Imperial Government at Tokio, as soon as possible, for I am given to understand that it is intended to commence building the bridge during the coming spring.
I avail, &c. (Signed) J. N. JORDAN.
293
}
i
5
Such a course of action I venture to submit is likely to prove by far the most satisfactory, both for the general interests of international trade, and for British interests in particular, and I venture to suggest that an objection to the fixed bridge should be made through the proper official channel at the earliest date possible, in order that a decision may be arrived at before the Japanese plans have further matured.
Failing this and as a second but less desirable alternative it is to be recommended that before the commencement of the construction of the bridge the question of obtaining suitable accommodation for British shipping interests below the bridge from the Japanese should be at once taken up, as when once the bridge becomes a fait accompli there will be much greater difficulty in obtaining favourable terms,
(Signed) W. R. M. RUSSELL.
Antung, December 4, 1907.
Inclosure 2 in No. 1.
Sir J. Jordan to Baron Hayashi.
My dear Colleague and Minister,
Peking, December 18, 1907. WITH reference to our conversation of the 16th instant in regard to the proposed railway bridge across the River Yalu at Antung, I beg to formulate the reasons which in my opinion make it desirable, in the interests of the commercial development of Antung, that this bridge should take the form of a drawbridge instaad of a fixed structure, and that it should, if possible, cross the river above the native city instead of below it, as is at present proposed. I may add that my American colleague fully concurs in my views.
The present anchorage for steamers and other vessels commences some 500 yards above the site indicated for the bridge, and ends at the line of the proposed bridge which at present forms the lower harbour limit.
The native city and the site of the proposed general foreign settlement are above the proposed bridge and any structure across the river which interferes with free navigation will exclude junks and steamers from the higher anchorage, and he detrimental to the commercial and shipping interests of the port.
The land on the Chinese side of the river below the proposed bridge has for a distance of over 2,000 yards been acquired by the Japanese for railway and settle- ment purposes, and the effect of a fixed bridge would be that Japan would obtain a virtual monopoly and control of junk and steamer commerce.
I feel sure that such a consummation would be opposed to the well-known desire of the Japanese Government for equal commercial opportunities in China to all nations, and am confident that they will, in the interests of the commercial world in general, either decide in favour of a drawbridge, or bridge the river at some point above the native city and proposed foreign settlement, to which no objection can be found,
I should be much obliged if your Excellency would be so good as to submit these considerations to the Imperial Government at Tokió, as soon as possible, for I an given to understand that it is intended to commence building the bridge during the coming spring.
I avail, &c. (Signed) J. N. JORDAN.
293
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