CO129-361 - Public Offices - 1909 — Page 58

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This Document is the Property of His Britannic Majesty's Government.

CHINA RAILWAYS.

CONFIDENTIAL.

[10758]

C.O.

12195

RECR

Rog R APR OC

No. 1.

56

[March 17.]

SECTION 2.

Question asked in the House of Commons, March 17, 1909.

Mr. Kesick,-To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs :-

1. If His Majesty's Government has any information as to the result of recent negotiations between China and Japan regarding the extension of the Imperial Chinese Railway from Elsinmintun to Fakumen ;

2. Whether his attention has been called to the report by His Majesty's Commercial Attaché at Peking, which shows that the proposed line would not compote injuriously with the South Manchurian Railway, as alleged;

3. Whether representations have been made by the China Association that the impediment offered by Japan to the proposed extension is injuriously affecting British interests; and

4. Will His Majesty's Government cause friendly representations to be made to Japan to induce her to withdraw from a position incompatible with the avowed policy of free intercourse and equal opportunity in Manchuria.

Answered by Mr. McKinnon Wood (for Sir Edward Grey).

As stated in the answer returned to the honourable Member for Kincardineshire on the 9th March, we have not yet heard of any agreement having been arrived at on the subject between China and Japan. The answers to the second and third paragraphs of the question are in the affirmative. The Japanese Government are aware that the matter is being followed with interest by His Majesty's Government, but have hitherto held to the opinion that the line as proposed would compete injuriously with their railway.

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