CO129-361 - Public Offices - 1909 — Page 623

621

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

CHINA RAILWAYS.

C.O. 22029

CONFIDENTIAL.

[June 15]

REC

SECTION 1.

ÍREG2 2 JUL 09

No. 1.

[21833)

(No. 110.)

Sir Edward Grey to Sir J. Jordan,

(Telegraphic.) R.

Foreign Office, June 15, 1909. YOUR despatch No. 435 [Very Confidential, of the 30th September: Chinchow- Taonan-fu Railway].

Paulings allege that, as a result of our not officially supporting scheme, Japanese Minister has informed Chinese Government that Japan will not allow any extension of Chinese Northern Railway in a northerly direction, whether parallel to South Manchurian line or not. They state further that question of construction contract will arise at no distant date, and ask for definite assurance of official approval and support. They were informed on the 14th May that it was clearly impossible to guarantee that Japanese will not object to scheme, and that you had been instructed to give all help you properly can, but that before deciding nature of help it will be necessary to consider circumstances.

There seems to be nothing to add to this communication, but I shall be glad of any observations you may have to offer.

[2317 p-1]