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[This Document is the Property of His Britannic Majesty's Cu
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are 28 JAN 10! [November 27.]
CHINA RAILWAYS.
CONFIDENTIAL.
[43073]
No. 1.
SECTION 1.
(No. 355.) Sir,
Sir Edward Grey to Sir J. Jordun.
Foreign Office, November 27, 1909. I HAVE received your despatch No. 398 of the 30th ultimo, reporting an interview with Natung regarding the affairs of the Shanghae--Ningpo Railway, and I note the opinion which you have again expressed to Mr. Hillier that the Hong Kong and Shanghae Bank are not morally justified in continuing to issue these loan funds to the Chinese.
I transmit to you herewith a copy of a letter from Mr. Hillier upon this subject, which has been communicated to me by Mr. Addis, of the Hong Kong and Shanghae Bank.*
I shall be glad if you will take this letter into consideration, and will inform me whether your views are thereby in any way modified, and, if not, whether in your opinion I may assure the corporation that, if they agree to withhold further funds until matters are adjusted, they will receive from His Majesty's Legation full diplomatic support in the event of any action being taken against them by the Chinese Government in consequence of such decision.
I should add that in communicating the enclosed letter Mr. Addis stated that in no circumstances could the bank itself take the initiative in withholding further funds, and he said that on legal grounds he was extremely reluctant to authorise the British and Chinese Corporation to do so. He also called attention to the irritation this step would inevitably produce in China against the corporation.
* Mr. Addis. November 24, 1909.
[2486 dd-1]
I am, &c.
E. GREY.
T
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