C.0. 20427
This Document is the Property of His Britannic Majesty's Government.]
CHINA RAILWAYS.
CONFIDENTIAL.
[13421]
No. 1.
18 JUN OS
[April 3.]
516
SECTION 4.
Sir J. Jordan to Sir Edward Grey.-(Received April 8.)
(No. 75. Confidential.)
(Telegraphic.) P.
HANKÓW-CANTON railway loan.
Peking, April 8, 1909.
On my advice Mr. Hillier called privately on Liang Tun-yen on the 6th instant, and explaining that he was merely expressing his personal opinion, recommended the Chinese to alter the terms of the agreement with the Germans, by allowing all three groups to have a share in the loan and consenting to the certificates of expenditure being signed by the engineer-in-chief, thus avoiding the danger of coming into conflict with the British Government. His Excellency was afraid that the suggestion was impracticable, owing to the present state of public opinion in China, but promised to think the matter over.
Both the Germans and the Chinese are unlikely to deal with the British and Chinese Corporation, the Chinese because of their failure to come to an understanding with them, and the Germans because they wish to deal directly with the Hong Kong and Shanghae Bank.
mess,
Although Liang agrees that the Chinese Government have "got themselves into a ," it is doubtful whether he will be able to influence Chang. Should the Chinese approach us again, Hillier's services could be utilized advantageously.
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