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[This Document is the Property of His Britannic Majesty's Government
C.O.
24967
RECO.
CHINA RAILWAYS.
CONFIDENTIAL.
REGP26 JUL OF
[June 23.j
SECTION 3.
[23488]
(No. 96.)
(Telegraphic.) R.
No. 1.
Sir Edward Grey to Mr. Bryce.
Foreign Offier, June 23, 1909.
YOUR telegram No. 87 of the 22nd June. China loan. There would appear to be some misapprehension in the mind of the Secretary of State as to our attitude. My idea in speaking to the United States' Ambassador here was not to refer the United States Government to the British bank in China, but to suggest that a representative of the United States' Syndicate should meet the repre- sentatives of the British, French, and German groups in Europe and should arrange all details as to financial co-operation of the former, on the understanding that the agreement already signed is left undisturbed. I am most anxious that an arrangement should be concluded for the participation of the American group, and I still believe that this is the only means by which continued confusion can be avoided. As regards matter of li-kin dues pledged for payment of interest on loan, there is no question of interference with Chinese administration. According to the agreement concluded, it is provided that the hypothecation of li-kin shall not interfere in any way with the reform of the customs or alterations in tariff, and that should li-kin be hereafter abolished, other security will be provided by China in its place.
We understand that French and German groups are as desirous as the British of welcoming American co-operation and are equally convinced that the best mode of arriving at a practical solution will be that representatives of the four groups should meet in conference here or in one of the continental capitals as soon as possible. The American representatives would he furnished with the agreement concluded and given all information.
Please speak to the Secretary of State in this sense.
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