393
useful lever with which to move the Chinese Government. I
would add that even if no hope is entertained of the ulti-
-mate success of the negotiation, the stronger the stand
made in support of joint management the greater will be
the likelihood of obtaining terms favourable to this
Government, should it become necessary to withdraw the
proposal for joint management and to substitute a provi-
-sion for running powers as indicated by Mr. Lindsey.
4
Negotiations with the Chinese
Government in a matter of this kind is rendered very
difficult by their ignorance of the technicalities of the
subject. I have little doubt that the Board of Communica-
-tions have no clear idea 'what it is that they really do
want in connection with this Agreement. If therefore,
negotiations are re-opened at Peking with a view to
insisting on the acceptance of the principle of Joint
Management I think it very desirable that Mr. Lindsey
should proceed to Peking to assist His Majesty's represent-
-ative, and if possible to explain to the Board of Com-
-munications some of the principles of Railway Management.
I shall be glad to receive Your
Lordship's instructions by telegraph whether I am to
(a)
No comments yet.
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