CO129-362 - Public Offices - 1909 — Page 371

369

On being put into possession of the facts by the represon-

tative of the British and Chinese Corporation here, I

thought it inadvisable to make representatione to the Cen-

tral Government before exhausting all the resources of

local action by the Consulate General. ky telegrans to

Mr.Fox, instructing him to approach the Viceroy, reached

the Consulate General onthe same day as the first con-

plaint which Hr.Fox received from the British Enginner-in-

Chief,

Vr.Grove. It is much to be regretted that Mr.Grove

did not put the facts before 'r.Pox ard invoke his assiete

tance at an earlier stage. I understand that the Engineer»

in-Chief has always been reluctant to impart to "r.Fox in-

formation as to the progress of the railway, and in these

circumstances > mere rumours which reached the Consulate

General regarding attacks on engineers were not sufficient

to warrant Er.Fox taking action on his own initiative.

I am glad to say, however, that the Viceroy on being

approached, showed himself appreciative of the gravity of

the situation and has taken steps, by the despatch of

soldiers