CO129-362 - Public Offices - 1909 — Page 599

C.O.

33552

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

CHINA RAILWAYS.

CONFIDENTIAL.

(REGE 12 OCT 09]

[September 13.]

597

SECTION 1.

[34379]

No. 1.

Hong Kong and Shanghae Bank to Foreign Office.-(Received September 13.)

31, Lombard Street, London, September 13, 1909.

Dear Sir Francis,

I ENCLOSE copy of a telegram just received from Peking.

It seems to me a pity that Mr. Hillier has not specified exactly what the American proposals are to which the Chinese Government are now asked to assent.

I have sent the telegram on to Mr. Addis in Scotland, and have told him that I will wire him again after having seen you on the subject.

clear.

I hope that you may have also received advices that will make the position quite

I will call at 3 o'clock, unless you telephone me anything different.

Yours, &c.

A. M. TOWNSEND.

Inclosure in No. 1.

Mr. Hillier (Peking) to Mr. Addis (London).

(Telegraphic.)

Peking, September 13, 1909. STRAIGHT has notified Chinese Government has received instructions to conclude agreement on terms proposed. We have informed Straight and Chinese Government of instructions contained in your telegram of the 28th August. With reference to foregoing, our position with Chinese Government is most difficult, and must be seriously compromised unless prompt arrangements can be made to allow of signature.

[2413 n-1]