CO129-371 - Public Offices - 1910 — Page 476

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

[B]

CHINA RAILWAYS.

CONFIDENTIAL.

[8696]

No. 1.

[Margh 140

10

SECTION 1.

473

(No. 125.) Sir,

Sir A. Nicolson to Sir Edward Grey.—{Received March 14.)

St. Petersburgh, March 6, 1910. M. ISVOLSKY informed me to-day that the United States Ambassador has had, at his suggestion, a long conversation with M. Kokovtsoff in regard to the Chinchow-Aigun line, and that the latter had explained at length to Mr. Rockhill the serious economic detriment which it would occasion to the Eastern Chinese Railway if it followed the route at present projected. The facts and figures which M. Kokovtsoff had placed before Mr. Rockhill had produced an impression on the latter, who had stated that the statements now made to him had thrown a new light on the matter. M. Kokovtsoff had pointed out that a line or lines might be constructed which would act as feeders to the existing line, but that the present tracé would simply tap the main line and cause serious injury to it. M. Kokovtsoff had also dwelt on the important strategical interests which would be affected. M. Isvolsky hoped that Mr. Rockhill would lay before the Federal Government the results of his conversation, but he had noticed that, though Mr. Rockhill of late had been very open to argument and had listened sympathetically to what was said to him, his Government did not appear to be so conciliatory. I asked if Mr. Rockhill had mentioned anything in regard to the Kiatka project. M. Isvolsky replied that he seemed to be anxious to glide off that subject, and had expressed no opinion. He and M. Kokovtsoff were glad that Baron Erlanger was coming here, as they would speak to him both as regards the Aigun line and the Kiatka project.

I enquired if the reply of the United States Government to the last Russian memorandum on the Aigun Railway had yet reached him. His Excellency replied in the negative.

[2667 0-1]

I have, &c.

A. NICOLSON.

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