1724
Z
fr Gost
Hongkong.
70
[This Document is the Property of His Britannic Majesty's Government]
9519
CHINA RAILWAYS.
CONFIDENTIAL.
17 ME OS
[February 11.]
SECTION 2.
[4830]
Dear Sir,
No. 1.
Messrs. M. Samuel and Co, to Foreign Office.-(Received February 11.)
19 and 21, Billiter Street, February 10, 1908,
REFERRING to the call of Mr. Samuel on Friday, we hand you, as requested, the particulars we have received by telegram from our China agents, Messrs. D. McGregor and Co., Shanghae.
They inform us that a private railway is being constructed by a Syndicate of Chinese merchants from Kiukiang to Nanchang, a distance of about 80 miles. Out of a total of 500,000l., 200,000l. has been subscribed by the Chinese Syndicate, and we are asked to provide the remaining 300,000l., and they undertake to place with us orders for the material for the amount of our advance.
As you are no doubt aware, the Chinese are very anxious to keep the railways in their own hands, and the Chinese Syndicate constructing the above line want to avoid the appearance of making a foreign loan. They offer to give us a mortgage upon the railway, and in the event of their failing to pay the interest and redemption, they then offer to give us complete control, we to have the right to put in our own Manager and work the line.
Our agents telegraph us that an immediate reply is necessary, as they must take very prompt action owing to the competition of foreign firms, who are anxious to do the business.
We want to know, before entering into this business, whether, should it become necessary to foreclose the mortgage, we can rely upon the support of His Majesty's Government in the event of difficulties with the local Chinese authorities, and also whether we can get their protection for our nominee should we have to take over the working of the line.
We are anxious to take up this business, because there are likely to be considerable extensions by private Chinese Syndicates in railway construction, and by financing them we can secure the orders for material, which of course it is most desirable should, as far as possible, come to this country.
We should feel much obliged if you would kindly place this matter before the Foreign Office authorities as early as possible, as we have to reply by cable.
We remain, &c. (Signed) M. SAMUEL AND Co.
[2856 1-2]
1724
Z
fr Gost
Hongking.
70
[This Document is the Property of His Britannic Majesty's Government 0.
9519
CHINA RAILWAYS.
CONFIDENTIAL.
17 ME OS
[February 11.]
SECTION 2.
[4830]
Dear Sir,
No. 1.
Messrs. M. Samuel and Co, to Foreign Office.-(Received February 11.)
19 and 21, Billiter Street, February 10, 1908, REFERRING to the call of Mr. Samuel Samuel on Friday, we hand you, as requested, the particulars we have received by telegram from our China agents, Messrs. D. McGregor and Co., Shanghae.
They inform us that a private railway is being constructed by a Syndicate of Chinese merchants from Kiukiang to Nanchang, a distance of about 80 miles. Out of a total of 500,000, 200,0007. has been subscribed by the Chinese Syndicate, and we are asked to provide the remaining 300,000, and they undertake to place with us orders for the material for the amount of our advance.
As you are no doubt aware, the Chinese are very auxious to keep the railways in their own hands, and the Chinese Syndicate constructing the above line want to avoid the appearance of making a foreign loan. They offer to give us a mortgage upon the railway, and in the event of their failing to pay the interest and redemption, they then offer to give us complete control, we to have the right to put in our own Manager and work the line.
Our agents telegraph us that an immediate reply is necessary, as they must take very prompt action owing to the competition of foreign firms, who are anxious to do the business.
We want to know, before entering into this business, whether, should it become necessary to foreclose the mortgage, we can rely upon the support of His Majesty's Governu ent in the event of difficulties with the local Chinese authorities, and also whether we can get their protection for our nominee should we have to take over the working of the line.
We are anxious to take up this business, because there are likely to be considerable extensions by private Chinese Syndicates in railway construction, and by financing them we can secure the orders for material, which of course it is most desirable should, as far as possible, come to this country.
We should feel much obliged if you would kindly place this matter before the Foreign Office authorities as early as possible, as we have to reply by cable.
We remain, &c. (Signed) M. SAMUEL AND Co.
[2856 1-2]
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