4
it may be hoped that British interests will not be adversely affected, whatever the issue of the present agitation; though of course they would be subjected to considerable inconvenience should the boycott of the Tsingtau-Chinan Railway ever become an accomplished fact.
I have, &c. (Signed)
BERTRAM GILES.
[This Document is the Property of His Britannic Majesty's Government.]
AFFAIRS OF CHINA.
CONFIDENTIAL.
[4732]
No. 1.
513
C.O.
7798
[February 8]
SECTION RECP 4 MAR OF
O
Sir Edward Grey to Sir J. Jordan.
(No. 28.) (Telegraphic.) P.
Foreign Office, February 8, 1909. THE American State Department received on the 1st instant from their Consul at Harbin information that the Russians are endeavouring to collect heavy taxes from all nationalities, and are taking active steps to give official status to the Eastern Chinese Railway Company. It is further reported that they are putting great pressure upon the Chinese to recognize this state of affairs.
The United States' Government represent that unless a check be put to this policy, equal trade opportunities will cease to exist; they inquire our views, and say that they hope that we shall co-operate with them in endeavouring to maintain Treaty rights.
Has the Russian Minister said anything to you on this subject since the communi- cation which you reported on the 29th September, 1908, in your despatch No. 432, Confidential; and do you think that it would be desirable for us now to make a further representation to the Russian Government?
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