Copy.
CF
F 3649/930/10).
NO DISTRIBUTION.
Decode. Sir R. Macleay,
(Peking)
December 22nd, 1923.
D.
2.0 p.m.
December 22nd, 1923.
R.
2.0 p.m.
December 22nd, 1923.
No. 283. (R).
--o00-
634
Your telegram No.208.
I have discussed question with representative
of British and Chinese corporation who has been
kept informed of attitude of Hongkong and of Canton
authorities by English engineer in chief.
Hongkong and Shanghai Bank are unwilling to give
further financial assistance by continuation of overdraft
39 there is no security for repayment. Minister of
Communications here cannot furnish necessary funds
and holds view that as long as militery interference
continues it is not to their advantage to finance railway for
the benefit of Sun Yat-sen or his opponents.
Mr. Mayers points out force cannot be used to keep
railway open for traffic and any engagement entered into
with leaders of opposing factions with that object would
have to be based on money. Corporation are not prepared to
advance without security and without guarantees that
military interference will cease. As there would appear
to be no prospect of obtaining such guarantees there would
seem to be no option but to clone down the line.
No comments yet.
Private notes are available after approval.