[ { "id": 276719, "series_id": 27, "series_slug": "histsyn-co129-engine", "series_title": "CO129 Colonial Office Hong Kong Records 理藩院香港檔案", "series_use_hku_proxy": false, "document_key": "CO129-135 - Public Offices & Others - 1868", "page_number": 19, "title": "CO129-135 - Public Offices & Others - 1868", "content_text": "In 2098/19\n\n17\n\ncharge of\n\nthree pence per Excarter found, of Books\n\nand patterns\n\nor\n\nsamples\n\nof merchandise between\n\nStone long and Shanghow,\n\nand between Stone Rong Shanghae and any other port in Chinee or Japan at which the\n\nBritish mail packto\n\nCall\n\nMaun\n\nBool.\n\nTREASURY WARRANT.\n\nWHEREAS by an Act of Parliament passed in\n\nthe fourth year of the reign of Her Majesty, chapter 96, for the regulation of the duties of postage, certain scales of weight and rates of postage were fixed and made chargeable and payable upon, for, or in respect of letters, newspapers, Parliamentary proceedings, and printed papers transmitted and forwarded by the post, and various regulations were made for facilitating the transmission of such letters and papers by the post; and by the same Act powers were given to the Commissioners of Her Majesty's Treasury from time to time, and at any time thereafter, by Warrant, under their hands, to alter and fix any of the rates of postage therein mentioned.\n\nAnd whereas further powers are given to the Commissioners of Her Majesty's Treasury by another Act of Parliament, passed in the eleventh year of the reign of Her Majesty, chapter 85, for giving further facilities for the transmission of letters by post, and for regulating the duties of postage thereon, and for other purposes relating to the Post Office.\n\nAnd whereas it is expedient to authorize the transmission of certain packets by the post between Hong Kong and Shanghai, and between Hong Kong and Shanghai and certain other ports in China and Japan, and for that purpose to fix certain rates of postage and make certain regulations in the manner hereinafter mentioned and set forth.\n\nNow we, the Commissioners of Her Majesty's Treasury, in exercise of the powers reserved to us in and by the said hereinbefore recited Acts of Parliament respectively, and each of them, and of all other powers enabling us in this behalf, do by this Warrant, under the hands of two of us, the said Commissioners (by the authority of the statute in that case made and provided) order, direct, and declare as follows:-\n\nAnd on every such packet exceeding four ounces, and not exceeding eight ounces in weight, there shall be charged and taken two rates of postage;\n\nAnd on every such packet exceeding eight ounces, and not exceeding twelve ounces in weight, three rates of postage; And on every such packet exceeding twelve ounces, and not exceeding sixteen ounces in weight, four rates of postage: And for every additional four ounces in weight of any such packet above the weight of sixteen ounces, there shall be charged and taken one additional rate of postage; and in charging any additional rate of postage under this clause every fractional part of every additional four ounces shall be charged as an additional four ounces in weight; and each progressive and additional rate chargeable under this clause shall be estimated and charged at the sum which any such packet would be charged with under this Warrant, if not exceeding four ounces in weight.\n\n2. The postage of all such packets as aforesaid shall in every case be paid at the time of the same being posted, either in money or by the proper postage stamp or stamps being affixed thereto, which stamp or stamps shall in every case be affixed or appear on the outside of every such packet near the address or direction, and shall be of the value or amount of the postage duty payable thereon under or by virtue of this Warrant.\n\n3. Every packet transmitted by the post, under the provisions of this Warrant (except packets consisting of patterns or samples of merchandise), shall be sent open at the ends or sides, and either without a cover or envelope, or in a cover or envelope open at the ends or sides, and there shall be no written letter, either closed or open, nor any written communication in the nature of a letter, either closed or open (whether such letter or communication be addressed to or intended for the person to whom the packet shall be directed or any other person), nor any enclosure sealed, or otherwise closed against inspection, nor any other enclosure, not authorized by this Warrant, sent in or with any such packet, nor shall there be any the nature of a letter in or upon any such packet, written letter, or any written communication, in or on the cover or envelope thereof.\n\n1. All packets consisting of books, publications, or works of literature or art, whether British, colonial, or foreign, or consisting of printed votes or proceedings of the Imperial Parliament, or the Colonial Legislatures, and all packets consisting of patterns or samples of merchandise, posted in Hong Kong, addressed to Shaughai, or posted in Shanghai, addressed to Hong Kong, or posted in Hong Kong or Shanghai, addressed to any other port in China, or any port in Japan at which the British packet boat calls, or posted in any port in China (except Hong Kong or Shanghai), or any port in Japan at which the British packet boat calls, addressed to Hong Kong or Shanghai, may be transmitted direct by British packet boat between Hong Kong and Shanghai, and between Hong Kong or Shanghai, and any other port in China, or any port in Japan at which such packet boat calls, subject to the several rates of postage hereinafter mentioned, that is to say ---\n\nOn every such packet so transmitted, if not exceeding four ounces in weight, there shall be charged and taken a uniform rate of postage (British and colonial combined) of three pence;\n\n4. Every packet consisting of patterns or samples of merchandise transmitted by the post, under the provisions of this Warrant, shall be so transmitted in conformity with and under and subject to the several orders, directions, regulations, and conditions following (that is to say) -\n\nThere shall be no enclosure sealed or otherwise closed against inspection and examination, nor any other enclosure, not authorized by this Warrant, sent in or with any such packet;\n\nThere shall be no writing or printing upon any such packet, or the cover thereof, or contained therein, except the address of the person for whom it is intended, the address of the sender", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-135 - Public Offices & Others - 1868.txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 332025, "series_id": 27, "series_slug": "histsyn-co129-engine", "series_title": "CO129 Colonial Office Hong Kong Records 理藩院香港檔案", "series_use_hku_proxy": false, "document_key": "CO129-229 - Acting Governor Marsh & Public Offices - 1886 [11-12]", "page_number": 8, "title": "CO129-229 - Acting Governor Marsh & Public Offices - 1886 [11-12]", "content_text": "It appears that he was first taken to Chinchow in the Swatow district, and then brought back to Howloong in the jurisdiction of the Viceroy of the Two Kiang, where he was beheaded. His body was given up to his relatives two days ago, by whom it was identified in the presence of a Police Magistrate. Whether the man was arrested by persons sent specially for that purpose, or whether he was accidentally met by the Chinese soldiers who wanted to secure the reward of $200, does not yet appear, but enquiries are being made, the result of which I will not fail to communicate to you as well as to Her Majesty's Minister at Peking.\n\nI need scarcely remind you that this is the second time this year that an arrest has been made within the jurisdiction of the Colony by Chinese Officials. The effect of this contemptuous disregard of international law will be very bad.\n\nPage 7\n\n \n \n\nPage 6", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-229 - Acting Governor Marsh & Public Offices - 1886 [11-12].txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 386995, "series_id": 27, "series_slug": "histsyn-co129-engine", "series_title": "CO129 Colonial Office Hong Kong Records 理藩院香港檔案", "series_use_hku_proxy": false, "document_key": "CO129-314 - Public Offices - 1902", "page_number": 450, "title": "CO129-314 - Public Offices - 1902", "content_text": "**Confidential**\n\nSatow \nR. 445 \nC.O. 45712 \nNOW \n\nThe Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs presents his compliments to the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies and is directed by the Secretary of State to transmit, for the information of Mr. Secretary Chamberlain, the accompanying copy of a telegram as marked in the margin, relating to the Chinchow murders.\n\nForeign Office, November 4, 1902.\n\nPage 450 \nPage 451", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-314 - Public Offices - 1902.txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 406102, "series_id": 27, "series_slug": "histsyn-co129-engine", "series_title": "CO129 Colonial Office Hong Kong Records 理藩院香港檔案", "series_use_hku_proxy": false, "document_key": "CO129-336 - Governor Nathan & Public Offices - 1906 [11-12]", "page_number": 77, "title": "CO129-336 - Governor Nathan & Public Offices - 1906 [11-12]", "content_text": "73\n\nHONG KONG\n\nNo.46435\n\nDESPATCH.\n\nC.O.\n\n46435\n\nGovernor. No. 270\n\n1906\n\n14 Mar\n\nLast previous Paper.\n\nW 11 & L (76)~3940-20-21-5 54427-4500-106\n\nNext subsequent Paper.\n\n17 DEC 06'\n\n(Subject.)\n\nLease of Land to Jardine & Whampoa Dock Co.\n\nFor submission for Secretary of State's approval grant of lease of land at Shinghow: requests approval.\n\nMr Cotton\n\nDoch\n\n(Minutes.)\n\nThis is not very clearly expressed. State definitely whether the extension of the dock is to fall partly within the question. If, as is implied, this position is exactly...\n\n38722/00\n\nSecretary approved.\n\nGrounds of lot is ...\n\nI think the lot is parallel to the...\n\nClearly it is not the Gan...\n\nare not so strong but the lot is of awkward shape with a road running through it, & it is not likely that it would come to be disfigured or to annoy anyone, especially as the adjoining land appears to be held by the War Dept.\n\nApprove it.", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-336 - Governor Nathan & Public Offices - 1906 [11-12].txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 417663, "series_id": 27, "series_slug": "histsyn-co129-engine", "series_title": "CO129 Colonial Office Hong Kong Records 理藩院香港檔案", "series_use_hku_proxy": false, "document_key": "CO129-353 - Public Offices - 1908", "page_number": 375, "title": "CO129-353 - Public Offices - 1908", "content_text": "This Document is the Property of His Britannic Majesty's Government.\n\n371\n\n0.\n\n44174\n\nCHINA RAILWAYS.\n\nCONFIDENTIAL.\n\n[September 29.]\n\nSECTION 1.\n\n2 DEC 08:\n\n[33777]\n\nNo. 1.\n\nSir J. Jordan to Sir Edward Grey.-(Received September 29.)\n\n(No. 154.) (Telegraphic.) P.\n\nCHINCHOW-TAONANFU Railway.\n\nPeking, September 29, 1908.\n\nWith reference to my despatch No. 359 of the 6th ultimo, I have the honour to report that the firm of Pauling and Co. have received authority to make a detailed survey of the above-mentioned line, and have obtained a promise to the effect that the contract for the building of the railway will be given to them when the survey has been satisfactorily accomplished.\n\nThis undertaking has been embodied in a written Agreement signed by Lord ffrench, the agent of the firm, and his Excellency Tong Shao-yi.\n\n[1940 -1]", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-353 - Public Offices - 1908.txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 417967, "series_id": 27, "series_slug": "histsyn-co129-engine", "series_title": "CO129 Colonial Office Hong Kong Records 理藩院香港檔案", "series_use_hku_proxy": false, "document_key": "CO129-353 - Public Offices - 1908", "page_number": 679, "title": "CO129-353 - Public Offices - 1908", "content_text": "# Report on the Examination of the Coast for a Suitable Port\n\nI went to Shanghae and saw the Coast Inspector, Captain Tyler, and procured from him a rough chart of the place and other information regarding it.\n\nOn the 13th August, I proceeded to Hulutao, which is situated some 25 or 30 li by cart road south of Lienshan Station, on the Imperial Chinese Railway. It is a promontory running out into the sea, in a direction, roughly speaking, at right angles to the coast-line from east to west, its western extremity joining the mainland, and its eastern end projecting nearly 6 further out into the sea. It is covered with numerous rounded hills, the highest being 400 feet in height. On the northern side, the water is very shallow, and on the south, it is deep, with a uniform mud bottom.\n\nI made a close examination and survey of the bay, checking the soundings which had been made previously, noting the tides, &c., so as to be able to judge of its suitability. I remained there for nine days, and during that time, there was high wind and a rough sea from the south and south-west, which interrupted our operations, but gave good illustration of the place under unfavourable conditions in summer. This experience was valuable as showing the direction it would be necessary to give to a break-water in order to give complete shelter in summer.\n\nI made many inquiries of the people living there and others acquainted with the place in winter in order to get what information I could regarding the extent to which it may be considered ice-free. They all agree that, although extremely cold, the ice does not form over all the bay on the south side till late in the season, and then for about ten days only. Also, that even then there is always open water with drift ice beyond the promontory, and this open water appears to be about 4 li wide, and to extend all along the coast to the south-west from one projecting part of the coast-line to another, which should make navigation practicable. Some of my informants were of the opinion that access to the bay might sometimes be difficult, if not impossible, for about a month in the season, but they were not all agreed that it would be for so long a time. They maintain that the ice when it does form will not bear a man's weight, so that it is unsafe to walk upon. The tidal current seems to run very strong in that place, and there is a rise of tide of 10 feet, which may account for the ice being broken up, or not getting time enough to form properly.\n\nFrom Hulutao, I proceeded down the coast first of all to Hunter's Point or Wang Hai Szu, which seemed also a likely place, but on examination proved to be unsuitable on account of rock and stones on the north-east side and shallow on the south-west, which is said to be constantly frozen.\n\nI went to Ning Yuen Chou and inspected the coast in that vicinity, more especially a place called Wa Sze Tao or Tung Yao Chan, which is only about 18 li from the railway line. Here we took soundings out to a distance of 2,000 feet from the shore in an east and west direction and also from north to south, but found the water too shallow, and from its position, the place seems liable to be frozen up in winter, except where fully exposed to the winds beyond the coast-line and outside the shelter of the hills. That this is the case is also confirmed by statements of villagers living there.\n\nI then went to Chu Hua Tao, on the south-east coast of which is a place which might have served excellently well if our object had been the selection of a small naval port instead of a commercial one. The island is 3 miles long from north-east to south-west; it has numerous hills, some of which are about 800 feet high, and is situated about 6 miles from the mainland, the intervening water being extremely shallow. It seemed that it might be practicable to make a road from the mainland to the island, but it is subject to very rough seas sometimes at high water, which would make such a road a very expensive undertaking in itself. On the island, which is very fertile, are some excellent quarries of granite, where stone has been procured for bridges on the Imperial railways. The water is 40 to 50 feet deep in a sheltered bay on the south-west corner, where the tidal current keeps it free of ice, but its distance from the mainland makes it impracticable as a commercial port. But this fact and the ease with which it could be fortified, its great depth of water, sheltered situation, and other advantages make it worthy of note as a possible naval port for the north. It is situated about 40 miles north of Chin Wang Tao and 20 miles south of Hulutao. If not entirely ice-free, it would have advantages over such a place as the Russian Vladivostock.\n\nAfter leaving Chu Hua Tao, I went to Shan Hai Kuan, but apart from the disadvantage of its nearness to Chinwangtao, I found no suitable place in that locality. It has shallow water and little shelter, so that its bays are constantly frozen out to the coast-line, and it has very little rise of tide to break up the ice.\n\nI finally went to Tien Chiao Chang to judge of the conditions at Chinchow Bay, but found it an impracticable place as a winter port, and only useful for junks in the open season. The water is so shallow that the largest junks have to anchor at a distance of 20 li from the shore: any attempt, therefore, to improve the place by dredging or otherwise would involve prohibitive expenditure. The water is frozen there to the bottom in winter, and Kaochiao is even in a worse condition.\n\nThe result of my examination of the coast has been, therefore, to show decisively that Hulutao is the most suitable, if not the only fit place for a port between Newchwang and Shanhaikuan, and it is fortunately an exceedingly good one, both from its natural conditions and its situation as regards the trade of a large part of Manchuria.\n\nConsidering it first as a winter port, there is not sufficiently accurate knowledge of the winter condition of the Gulf of Liaotung to enable one to judge with any certainty of the period during which it is open to navigation.\n\nWe know that the Liao River is frozen up from about the 24th November to the middle of March, but the fresh water of the river freezes at a temperature much higher than sea water, and before it reaches Newchwang, the waters of the Liao have been cooled to the freezing point by passing through an immense distance of frozen country.\n\nFrom the thermometer records kept at the Harbour-master's office at Newchwang, it appears that through the night, the temperatures are below the freezing point of sea water for two months, from about the end of December till the middle of January, yet the day temperatures are generally so very much higher as to make it probable that the warmth of the days counteracts in a great measure the effect of the cold nights.\n\nConsidering also that the currents and high rise of tide will in themselves break up the ice formed at night time, and that Hulutao, from the configuration of the hills behind it, is fully exposed to the off-shore winds from the north-west, which are frequent at that season, it is easily seen how the ice may be blown to sea and out of the bay, once its connection with the shore is broken. There is no record of ships encountering ice in the gulf when coming to Newchwang after the river is open to navigation.\n\nI am inclined to think, therefore, that the difficulties regarding the ice will not be found so serious as is generally supposed, and that it is highly probable that Hulutao will only be closed to navigation during the coldest months in the year, say, from the middle of January till the middle of February. This can only be satisfactorily proved by making the practical demonstration by means of a well-found steamer, which should be chartered to proceed to Hulutao, say, four times in the winter, the middle of the months of December, January, February, and March. A competent person should be stationed there, also throughout the coming winter, to keep a record of the winds and temperatures and of the tides, and the state of the ice in the bay. By this means, most valuable information will be obtained as to the conditions of the place in view of its suitability for a winter port.\n\nI think, from a long experience gained at Chinwangtao, that we should be quite safe in considering the advantages of Hulutao, on the assumption of its being closed to navigation for about a month.\n\nAs a port for Manchuria in the open season, the advantages of its site are incontestable.\n\nComparing it with other trade routes, it is 60 miles nearer to Mukden than Dalny, and it would have also this advantage - being the gateway port of Manchuria, it would be purely under Chinese control instead of under the Japanese, as is the case of Dalny.\n\nIt is 100 miles nearer Mukden than Chinwangtao.\n\nIts distance from Hsinmintun is 50 miles.\n\nIt is in a district within reach of some of the best coal mines in North China, which are worked at present at Pei-piao and Yichow, but only need to be developed by modern methods and joined by railway in order to secure the coal market of Shanghae, the quality being far superior to anything offered there at present. This alone would make a very important trade for the port.\n\nThese advantages in themselves would secure the success of the port and bring traffic to the Imperial railways and Hulutao, which now goes to Dalny and the South Manchurian Railway.\n\nPage 675", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-353 - Public Offices - 1908.txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 421261, "series_id": 27, "series_slug": "histsyn-co129-engine", "series_title": "CO129 Colonial Office Hong Kong Records 理藩院香港檔案", "series_use_hku_proxy": false, "document_key": "CO129-360 - Public Offices - 1909", "page_number": 50, "title": "CO129-360 - Public Offices - 1909", "content_text": "# CHINA TRADE\n\n**CONFIDENTIAL**\n\n[41488]\n\n## SECTION 3\n\nSir J. Jordon to Sir Edward Grey.-(Received November 28.)\n\n**(No. 443. Confidential.)**\n\nPeking, October 9, 1908.\n\nI HAVE the honour to transmit to you herewith a copy of an interesting Report by Mr. Willis, Acting Consul-General at Mukden, on the commercial situation at Harbin, to which, in accordance with my instructions, he recently paid a visit.\n\nI venture to draw your attention to the statement in this Report as to the uncertainty of there being any real equality of commercial opportunity in Manchuria so long as the railway communication is controlled by Russia and Japan, and I may state that I am in general agreement with Mr. Willis' view that the extension of the Chinese line is the most effectual safeguard against a policy of discrimination.\n\nIt is for this reason that I have encouraged the project of a railway from Chinchow Fu to Taonan Fu, which formed the subject of my despatches Nos. 359 and 435 of the 6th August and 30th September respectively.\n\nI have, &c.\n(Signed) J. N. JORDAN.\n\nP.S.-Since the above was written, I have received a further despatch from Mr. Willis, of which a copy is inclosed, illustrative of the methods employed by the Russian and Japanese Railway Administrations to further their own political aims instead of confining themselves to improving the means of communication and developing the resources of the country.\n\nJ. N. J.\n\n### Inclosure 1 in No. 1.\n\nActing Consul-General Willis to Sir J. Jordan.\n\n**(No. 63. Confidential.)**\n\nMukden, October 1, 1908.\n\nIN accordance with instructions contained in the last paragraph of your despatch No. 25, Confidential, of the 24th ultimo, I have the honour to submit the following Report on the commercial situation at Harbin:\n\nUnfortunately, heavy rain fell during my visit, and the roads of Harbin are under such conditions so disgracefully bad that it was impossible for me to make personal investigations to any extent in the low-lying commercial part of Harbin and the native city of Fu Chia Tien.\n\nThe material of this Report has been gathered mainly from conversations I held with M. Konovaloff, the Commissioner of Customs; Mr. Fisher, the American Consul; and M. Dard, French Consular Agent and Manager of the Russo-Chinese Bank.\n\n| Nationality | Population |\n| --- | --- |\n| Russian | 20,000 (approx.) |\n|    Railway guards | 4,000 (approx.) |\n|    Chinese Eastern Railway employees | 10,000 to 12,000 |\n| Japanese | 800 |\n| Austrian | 100 |\n| German | 70 |\n| Turks, Greeks, Roumanians, Bulgarians, etc. | 500 |\n| British | ... (at least 40 to 50 Sikhs and Mr. Warburton) |\n\nAt the last census, the Russian population of Harbin was given at 23,000, but it is gradually diminishing. Of these, 4,000 approximately are railway guards, and from 10,000 to 12,000 are in the employ of the Chinese Eastern Railway. The remaining population are for the most part engaged in providing for the necessities and amusements of the railway guards and employés.\n\nOf foreign nationalities living in the railway Settlement, there are roughly 800 Japanese, 100 Austrians, 70 Germans, and about 500 Turks, Greeks, Roumanians, Bulgarians, and other unrepresented Southern European peoples. Of resident British subjects, I only succeeded in finding Mr. Warburton, the sub-Manager of the Russo-Chinese Bank, but I learnt that from 40 to 50 Sikhs were employed by Russian establishments as watchmen. The British American Tobacco Company have a branch at Fu Chia Tien, the Chinese town adjacent to the Russian Settlement.\n\nC. O. 1189\n11 JAN 09\nPage 49", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-360 - Public Offices - 1909.txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 422435, "series_id": 27, "series_slug": "histsyn-co129-engine", "series_title": "CO129 Colonial Office Hong Kong Records 理藩院香港檔案", "series_use_hku_proxy": false, "document_key": "CO129-361 - Public Offices - 1909", "page_number": 464, "title": "CO129-361 - Public Offices - 1909", "content_text": "# C.O. 19075\n\n[This Document is the Property of His Britannic Majesty's Government.]\n` \n## CHINA RAILWAYS\n\n**CONFIDENTIAL**\n\n[15249]\n\n### No. 1\n\nFace RECR \n[April 23.] - \nJUN 09 \n462 \n\n## SECTION 1\n\nSir,\n\nMessrs. Pauling and Co. to Foreign Office.--(Received April 23.)\n\n26, Victoria Street, Westminster, April 22, 1909.\n\nI HAVE the honour to bring to the notice of His Majesty's Secretary of State the following contract entered into between Messrs. Pauling and Co. and his Excellency Tang Shao-yi, on behalf of the Chinese Government, for the survey and construction of a line from Chinchow, in China proper, to Taonanfu, in Mongolia, and to ask that you will be good enough to cause instructions to be sent to His Majesty's Minister at Peking to consult with our representative, Lord ffrench, on the matter, and to render him any and every assistance in connection with this contract, should such a necessity at any time arise.\n\nI am desired also to inform you that our engineers are now at work on the survey contracted for.\n\nIt will be within your recollection that, whereas in other railway schemes for which we have asked your advice and assistance there have been prior interests involved, and promises of support already made by His Majesty's Government, in this instance, we are glad to say, it cannot be so.\n\nThe above contract appears to be the only one affording hopes of repayment for the many years of trouble and expense that we have incurred in our endeavours to obtain railway construction work in China.\n\nTherefore we venture respectfully to hope that His Majesty's Government will see their way to render us every assistance possible to bring this one scheme to a successful conclusion.\n\nWe are, &c.\n\n(For Messrs. Pauling and Co. (Limited)),\n(Signed) JNO. SCOTT, Secretary.\n\n[2241-1]", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-361 - Public Offices - 1909.txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 422436, "series_id": 27, "series_slug": "histsyn-co129-engine", "series_title": "CO129 Colonial Office Hong Kong Records 理藩院香港檔案", "series_use_hku_proxy": false, "document_key": "CO129-361 - Public Offices - 1909", "page_number": 465, "title": "CO129-361 - Public Offices - 1909", "content_text": "# CHINA RAILWAYS\n## CONFIDENTIAL\n\nNo. 1.\n\n### SECTION 3\n\n463\n\n(No. 117.)\n\nSir,\n\nSir Edward Grey to Sir J. Jordan,\n\n[Via Siberia.]\n\nForeign Office, April 29, 1909.\n\nWITH reference to your despatch No. 435 of the 30th September, 1908, I transmit to you herewith a copy of a letter which has been received from Messrs. Pauling,* relative to the contract entered into between that firm and his Excellency Tang Shao-yi, on behalf of the Chinese Government, for the survey and construction of a railway from Chinchow to Taonanfu.\n\nI request that you will render Lord French, Messrs. Pauling's representative at Peking, all the assistance you properly can in connection with this contract.\n\nI am, &c.\n**(Signed) E. GREY.**\n\n* Messrs. Pauling and Co., April 22, 1909 (without inclosures). [`2241-3`]", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-361 - Public Offices - 1909.txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 422584, "series_id": 27, "series_slug": "histsyn-co129-engine", "series_title": "CO129 Colonial Office Hong Kong Records 理藩院香港檔案", "series_use_hku_proxy": false, "document_key": "CO129-361 - Public Offices - 1909", "page_number": 613, "title": "CO129-361 - Public Offices - 1909", "content_text": "# CHINA RAILWAYS\n**CONFIDENTIAL**\n\n## SECTION 1\n\nRECEIVED No. 1 Reef 2 JUL 09\n\nSir,\n\nForeign Office to Messrs. Pauling and Co.\n\nForeign Office, May 14, 1909.\n\nI am directed by Secretary Sir Edward Grey to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 7th instant, requesting him to take such steps as may be considered advisable to be helpful to your firm in case, when the survey of the Chinchow-Taonanfu Railway is completed, the Japanese put a veto upon the carrying out of the contract.\n\nIn reply, I am to observe that it is clearly impossible for Sir E. Grey to give a guarantee that the Japanese will not object to the scheme. His Majesty's Minister, as you have already been informed, has been instructed to give all the help he properly can; but, before deciding what kind of help can be given, it will be necessary to consider the circumstances as they arise.\n\nI am, &c.\n\nW. LANGLEY.\n\n`[2264 0-1]` \n611 \nPage 3", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-361 - Public Offices - 1909.txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 422594, "series_id": 27, "series_slug": "histsyn-co129-engine", "series_title": "CO129 Colonial Office Hong Kong Records 理藩院香港檔案", "series_use_hku_proxy": false, "document_key": "CO129-361 - Public Offices - 1909", "page_number": 623, "title": "CO129-361 - Public Offices - 1909", "content_text": "# CHINA RAILWAYS\n## C.O. 22029\n### **CONFIDENTIAL**\n\n[June 15]\n\n## SECTION 1.\n\nNo. 1.\n\n**(No. 110.)**\nSir Edward Grey to Sir J. Jordan,\n**(Telegraphic.)** R.\n\nForeign Office, June 15, 1909.\n\nYOUR despatch No. 435 [Very Confidential], of the 30th September: Chinchow-Taonan-fu Railway.\n\nPaulings allege that, as a result of our not officially supporting the scheme, the Japanese Minister has informed the Chinese Government that Japan will not allow any extension of the Chinese Northern Railway in a northerly direction, whether parallel to the South Manchurian line or not. They state further that the question of the construction contract will arise at no distant date, and ask for a definite assurance of official approval and support. They were informed on the 14th May that it was clearly impossible to guarantee that the Japanese will not object to the scheme, and that you had been instructed to give all the help you properly can, but that before deciding the nature of the help, it will be necessary to consider the circumstances.\n\nThere seems to be nothing to add to this communication, but I shall be glad of any observations you may have to offer.\n\n[2317 p-1]", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-361 - Public Offices - 1909.txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 422615, "series_id": 27, "series_slug": "histsyn-co129-engine", "series_title": "CO129 Colonial Office Hong Kong Records 理藩院香港檔案", "series_use_hku_proxy": false, "document_key": "CO129-362 - Public Offices - 1909", "page_number": 18, "title": "CO129-362 - Public Offices - 1909", "content_text": "# AFFAIRS OF CHINA\n## CONFIDENTIAL\n\n3203 [November 28.]\n\nPECS SECTION 8.2 UCO, \n[41488]\n\n### No. 1.\n\n**(No. 443. Confidential.)** \nSir J. Jordan to Sir Edward Grey,-(Received November 28.) \nPeking, October 9, 1908.\n\nI HAVE the honour to transmit to you herewith a copy of an interesting Report by Mr. Willis, Acting Consul-General at Mukden, on the commercial situation at Harbin, to which, in accordance with my instructions, he recently paid a visit.\n\nI venture to draw your attention to the statement in this Report as to the uncertainty of there being any real equality of commercial opportunity in Manchuria so long as the railway communication is controlled by Russia and Japan, and I may state that I am in general agreement with Mr. Willis' view that the extension of the Chinese line is the most effectual safeguard against a policy of discrimination.\n\nIt is for this reason that I have encouraged the project of a railway from Chinchow Fu to Taonan Fu, which formed the subject of my despatches Nos. 359 and 435 of the 6th August and 30th September respectively.\n\nI have, &c. \n(Signed) J. N. JORDAN,\n\nP.S.-Since the above was written, I have received a further despatch from Mr. Willis, of which a copy is inclosed, illustrative of the methods employed by the Russian and Japanese Railway Administrations to further their own political aims instead of confining themselves to improving the means of communication and developing the resources of the country.\n\n### Inclosure 1 in No. 1.\n\nActing Consul-General Willis to Sir J. Jordan. \n**(No. 63. Confidential.)** \nMukden, October 1, 1908.\n\nIN accordance with instructions contained in the last paragraph of your despatch No. 25, Confidential, of the 24th ultimo, I have the honour to submit the following Report on the commercial situation at Harbin :-\n\nUnfortunately heavy rain fell during my visit, and the roads of Harbin are under such conditions so disgracefully bad that it was impossible for me to make personal investigations to any extent in the low-lying commercial part of Harbin and the native city of Fu Chia Tien.\n\nThe material of this Report has been gathered mainly from conversations I held with M. Konovaloff, the Commissioner of Customs; Mr. Fisher, the American Consul; and M. Dard, French Consular Agent and Manager of the Russo-Chinese Bank.\n\nAt the last census the Russian population of Harbin was given at 23,000, but it is gradually diminishing, and at the present moment 20,000 would be an outside limit. Of these 4,000 approximately are railway guards, and from 10,000 to 12,000—M. Dard gave me the latter figure—are in the employ of the Chinese Eastern Railway. The remaining population are for the most part engaged in providing for the necessities and amusements of the railway guards and employés.\n\n| Nationality | Approximate Number |\n| --- | --- |\n| Japanese | 500 |\n| Austrians | 100 |\n| Germans | 70 |\n| Turks, Greeks, Roumanians, Bulgarians, and other unrepresented Southern European peoples | about 500 |\n\nOf resident British subjects I only succeeded in finding Mr. Warburton, the sub-Manager of the Russo-Chinese Bank, but I learnt that from 40 to 50 Sikhs were employed by Russian establishments as watchmen. The British American Tobacco Company have a branch at Fu Chia Tien, the Chinese town adjacent to the Russian Settlement.\n\n[2029 ee-6] \n6", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-362 - Public Offices - 1909.txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 422636, "series_id": 27, "series_slug": "histsyn-co129-engine", "series_title": "CO129 Colonial Office Hong Kong Records 理藩院香港檔案", "series_use_hku_proxy": false, "document_key": "CO129-362 - Public Offices - 1909", "page_number": 39, "title": "CO129-362 - Public Offices - 1909", "content_text": "**CONFIDENTIAL.**\n\n[22681]\n\n37 \nC.O. 123203\n\n[June 23.]\n\n## SECTION 1.\n\n### No. 1.\n\nSir,\n\nForeign Office to Messrs. Pauling and Co.\n\nForeign Office, June 23, 1909.\n\nI AM directed by Secretary Sir Edward Grey to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 10th instant, on the subject of the proposed Chinchow-Taonanfu Railway. I am to observe that the fear expressed in the second paragraph of your letter, that \"His Majesty's Government have decided to adhere to the principle that the official support of the Foreign Office must be confined to the operations of the British and Chinese Corporation and its associates,\" is devoid of foundation, and to inform you that in the course of the recent negotiations as to the Hankow-Canton and Hankow-Szechuan Railways the agent of the British group informed the agents of the French and German groups, at the instance of Sir E. Grey, that the British group must not count upon receiving the exclusive support of the British Government in regard to future business.\n\nYou have already been informed on more than one occasion that if you desire the support of His Majesty's Government for any scheme for which their support is not already pledged to other parties, the Secretary of State will be happy to consider the matter and afford you such support as he properly can. To this statement Sir E. Grey adheres.\n\nIt is further stated in your letter that the absence of official support to your firm has had the effect of encouraging the Japanese to follow an aggressive policy, and that the Japanese Minister now goes so far as to inform the Chinese Government that Japan will not allow any extension of the Chinese Imperial Northern Railways to be constructed in a northerly direction, whether parallel or not to the South Manchurian line. His Majesty's Minister, who was informed by telegraph of this statement, has now replied saying that your agent in China has not applied to him for support, and that he has no information as to the alleged attitude of the Japanese Minister.\n\nIn conclusion, I am to inform you that Sir E. Grey will be happy to see Mr. George Pauling on the subject of this correspondence, if that gentleman will communicate the date of his return to London to this Department, when an appointment will be made.\n\n[2317-1]\n\nI am, &c.\n\nW. LANGLEY.", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-362 - Public Offices - 1909.txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 422952, "series_id": 27, "series_slug": "histsyn-co129-engine", "series_title": "CO129 Colonial Office Hong Kong Records 理藩院香港檔案", "series_use_hku_proxy": false, "document_key": "CO129-362 - Public Offices - 1909", "page_number": 355, "title": "CO129-362 - Public Offices - 1909", "content_text": "# SECTION 3.\n## No. 1. CHINA RAILWAYS\n**CONFIDENTIAL**\n\n(No. 109.)\n**(Telegraphic.) P.**\n\n### CHINCHOW-TAONAN-FU Railway\n**Sir J. Jordan to Sir Edward Grey.-(Received June 17.)**\n\nPeking, June 17, 1909.\n\nI have not hitherto received any application for support from Pauling's representative in Peking, in connection with the line in question.\n\nAs regards the attitude attributed to the Japanese Minister, as reported in your telegram No. 110 of the 15th instant, I have no means of confirming the statement. It is, however, not clear to me on what reasonable grounds the Japanese could object to the proposed line which, granting that China is in earnest and is not merely putting the scheme forward in order to serve some political purpose, would open up an as yet undeveloped stretch of country and could scarcely be considered injurious to Japanese interests, so far as the South Manchurian Railway is concerned.\n\nPage 353", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-362 - Public Offices - 1909.txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 423041, "series_id": 27, "series_slug": "histsyn-co129-engine", "series_title": "CO129 Colonial Office Hong Kong Records 理藩院香港檔案", "series_use_hku_proxy": false, "document_key": "CO129-362 - Public Offices - 1909", "page_number": 444, "title": "CO129-362 - Public Offices - 1909", "content_text": "# AFFAIRS OF CHINA\n## CONFIDENTIAL\n\n### No. 1\n#### SECTION 9\n\nSir J. Jordan to Sir Edward Grey.-(Received August 9.)\n\n**(No. 254. Very Confidential.)**\nPeking, July 14, 1909.\n\nAs a result of Mr. Chirol's visit to Peking, Dr. Morrison, the correspondent of the \"Times,\" has been making some efforts to induce the Chinese Government to take a more reasonable view of the points of difference between them and Japan with regard to Manchurian questions. Dr. Morrison's own sympathies have hitherto been largely on the side of China in this controversy, and his present action may perhaps be assumed to represent not so much his personal convictions as his sense of duty to the newspaper which he represents.\n\nThe accompanying memorandum, which he has courteously furnished me for my confidential information, has been submitted by him to the Ministers of the Wai-wu Pu, and has, I understand, made a considerable impression. At all events, it seems to have convinced them of the necessity of making another and more serious attempt to find a solution of their outstanding difficulties with Japan.\n\nI doubt, however, whether Dr. Morrison's solution of the Ch'ientao question is likely to commend itself to the Chinese in their present temperament. It appears to involve an extension of exterritorial rights at a time when Chinese public opinion is inclined to advocate their curtailment or abolition. It may be true, as Dr. Morrison says, that many Japanese subjects belonging to Formosa hold property in the province of Fukien, but the most recent doctrine enunciated by the southern Viceroys is that ownership of property in the interior debars a person of Chinese origin from claiming protection as the subject or citizen of a foreign State.\n\nThe analogy of the 1883 arrangement made with Siam, although a pertinent one, is hardly likely to appeal with much force to the Chinese, as comparisons between them and smaller States are always resented, and the Siam of a quarter of a century ago is not the ideal to which the modern Chinese aspires.\n\nHowever, the question of mixed jurisdiction in Ch'iontao is not, I understand, regarded as insoluble by the Chinese, who have once or twice told me that they hoped to evolve a working arrangement on the basis of the Thibet Trade Regulations.\n\nAs to the Fakumen Railway question, my own impression is that the Japanese would have been well-advised to come to an arrangement before the advent of American capitalists tends to still further complicate the problem. Messrs. Pauling and Co. make no secret of their intention, should the necessity arise, of joining forces with the Americans, in financing and constructing the Chinchow-Taonan-fu line, and as it will be run at a distance of over 100 miles from the South Manchurian Railway and open up a new region of country, it is hard to see how Japan could reasonably offer any objections.\n\nI have, &c.\n\nJ. N. JORDAN.\n\n### Inclosure in No. 1\n#### Memorandum by Dr. Morrison\n\nI have just returned from a visit extending over several weeks to Japan, Corea, and the Kwantung Peninsula. In the following memorandum I record the impressions which I have formed during my visit. I write quite frankly as one deeply interested in China and anxious to see all causes of misunderstanding removed from her foreign relations. As far as I understand the situation is this :-\n\nEngland is at present considerably preoccupied with regard to her future relations with Germany.\n\nWithin recent times England has had in succession three great European competitors: first France, afterwards Russia, and now Germany.", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-362 - Public Offices - 1909.txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 423247, "series_id": 27, "series_slug": "histsyn-co129-engine", "series_title": "CO129 Colonial Office Hong Kong Records 理藩院香港檔案", "series_use_hku_proxy": false, "document_key": "CO129-362 - Public Offices - 1909", "page_number": 650, "title": "CO129-362 - Public Offices - 1909", "content_text": "**CONFIDENTIAL**\n\n## SECTION 3\n\n### No. 1\n\nSir J. Jordan to Sir Edward Grey.(Received July 22.)\n\n(No. 122.) (Telegraphic.) \n\nPeking, July 22, 1909.\n\nI beg to refer to the concluding paragraph of my telegram No. 109 of the 17th ultimo.\n\nI am told by Messrs. Paulings' representative in Peking that, in consequence of an interview which he has had with my Japanese colleague, he does not expect the construction of the Chinchow-Taonan-fu Railway to meet with any serious opposition on the part of the Japanese Government.\n\n[2336 y-3] \n638", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-362 - Public Offices - 1909.txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 423352, "series_id": 27, "series_slug": "histsyn-co129-engine", "series_title": "CO129 Colonial Office Hong Kong Records 理藩院香港檔案", "series_use_hku_proxy": false, "document_key": "CO129-362 - Public Offices - 1909", "page_number": 755, "title": "CO129-362 - Public Offices - 1909", "content_text": "# C. O.\n\n**CONFIDENTIAL.**\n\n[This Document is the Property of His Britannic Majesty's Government]\n\nNo. 1.\n\n**IREC ¡RED 25 OCT 09**\n\n758\n\n[October 4.]\n\n## SECTION 1.\n\n### Sir J. Jordan to Sir Edward Grey.-(Received October 4.)\n\n**(No. 330. Confidential.)**\n\nPeking, September 14, 1909.\n\nI HAVE the honour to report the developments which have taken place since my despatch No. 309 (Secret) of the 1st instant was written, with regard to the question of the Chinchow-Tsitsihar Railway.\n\nAs reported in my telegram No. 144 of the 2nd instant, Mr. Straight had an interview on the previous day with the Wai-wu Pu on the subject. It was apparently thought advisable that he should take the initiative in dealing with the question, and should act for Messrs. Pauling and Co., as well as for the American group which he himself represents. By this means, the agent of the British group would be kept in the background, and the Americans would be left to encounter any opposition that might be offered by the Japanese. The proposals which Mr. Straight put before the Board for the construction and financing of the railway were said to have been favourably received, and Lord ffrench seemed sanguine that the undertaking would go through.\n\nMr. Straight himself, in an after-dinner conversation, gave me some further details connected with his negotiations. He said quite frankly that he was in a much better position than Lord ffrench to deal with the question, as he was hampered by no political considerations. Not only that, but the United States had a strong lever for meeting Japanese opposition in an agreement relating to the South Manchurian Railway, which had been concluded in 1905 between the Japanese Government and an American group, and which had never been fulfilled. It was open to him to place Japan in an awkward predicament by demanding the revival of this undertaking at any time, as it was concluded prior to the agreement of the 22nd December, 1905, between Japan and China.\n\nMr. Straight thought that Japan's objections to the projected line were of a strategic rather than an economic nature, and to meet them, it was proposed to put the railway under the control of a company composed of American, British, and Chinese directors. He asked that his statements should be treated as confidential, but gave me to understand that I should be kept informed of the progress of the negotiations by Lord ffrench. The latter promised to furnish me with a copy of the proposals submitted by Mr. Straight, but, although more than a week has since elapsed, he has not yet done so.\n\nI gather that the Chinese have shown some lukewarmness in the matter since the conclusion of the Manchurian agreements with Japan, and consider that they must allow some time to elapse before resuming negotiations which may give umbrage to the Japanese.\n\nI have, &c.\n\nI am sending a copy of this despatch to His Majesty's Ambassador at Tokyo.\n\nJ. N. JORDAN.\n\n`[2471 d-1]`", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-362 - Public Offices - 1909.txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 423389, "series_id": 27, "series_slug": "histsyn-co129-engine", "series_title": "CO129 Colonial Office Hong Kong Records 理藩院香港檔案", "series_use_hku_proxy": false, "document_key": "CO129-362 - Public Offices - 1909", "page_number": 792, "title": "CO129-362 - Public Offices - 1909", "content_text": "# Arrangement for the Joint Working of the Kirin-Changchun Railway\n\narrangement for the joint working of the Kirin-Changchun Railway were not sufficient to ensure the loss of Kirin every demand of the Japanese has now been conceded and it is impossible to foresee what the consequences will be. As regards their demand for the opening of five places to trade, some of these places as, for instance, Liu Tao Kou and Kuang Chi Yu, although important positions are still situated within the disputed territory and the demand that they should be opened to trade might perhaps be acceded to, but Pai Ts'ao Kou, which is rich in minerals, is a most important place, and is almost 100 li north of Yen-chi and there are few Coreans there.\n\nTou Tao Kou and Chi Pi Kou are important places on the route to Fongtien and are about 90 li from Yen-chi. All these places have nothing whatever to do with the boundary, and serious disadvantages will follow if they have really been opened to trade. As regards the question of judicial courts in Yen-chi, we have never hitherto, in the course of our difficulties with the Japanese, admitted in any way their right to judicial authority, and it is impossible to understand why we have now agreed to the establishment of Mixed Courts. In agreeing to the appointment of consuls we merely admit consular jurisdiction, but by consenting to the establishment of Mixed Courts we openly recognise Yen-chi to be leased territory, and this is entirely different from the opening of places of trade. Tien Pao-shan, which is famous for its silver mines, is about 50 li north of Yen-chi and has nothing to do with the boundary question. Since I have arrived in Fengtien I have done my best to preserve these mines for China, and to oppose the efforts of the Japanese, and in the case of other natural resources such as mines and forests I have during the past two years succeeded in the face of enormous difficulties in resisting the Japanese claims, pending the settlement of the boundary question. Now, however, the question of the boundary has been decided, the rights which I have striven to protect are at once surrendered. It is enough to cause one to despair.\n\nEven if it be argued that the above concessions have some concern with Yen-chi, the construction of a line to Ying-k'ou, which can be extended west of the Liao River, and our undertaking that no parallel line shall be built west of the Liao mean that we have definitely precluded ourselves from any further development of Manchuria. When we allowed Russia to build the Chinese Eastern Railway, we lost the opportunity of doing anything for Manchuria as a whole, and although, after the reorganisation of the three provinces, we endeavoured to extend railway communications, it was beyond our power to help the regions to the north-east. For this reason the construction of the Taonan-Fakumen and Chinchow-Tsitsihar Railways was planned, with a view to protecting the Mongolian frontiers and uniting the three provinces of Manchuria, but now these rights have been abandoned, and not merely have our rights in Manchuria been thrown away, but it is to be feared that it will even be impossible for us to undertake any railway construction in Inner or Outer Mongolia.\n\nThe consideration of all these points cannot but excite the deepest regret, and I would point out, with regard to these negotiations, that it is not a case of a conquered country suing for peace and unable to offer any resistance to the victor's demands. The first intention of the Japanese was merely to take advantage of the unsettled position of the Corean boundary question, in order to obtain some special advantages upon our frontiers, but, in face of the conclusive evidence in our favour, and in spite of all their specious arguments, they could only succeed in making some confusion by claiming that the Pu-erh-ba-t'ung and Hai-lan Rivers were parts of the Tiumen, the piece of land in dispute only measuring some 100 li from north to south, and it would really be as well to surrender this land to them altogether if our rights over all the country north of Yen-chi could thereby be preserved unimpaired.\n\nThese boundary negotiations have now been proceeding for nearly two years, and have cost the State almost 1,000,000 taels, and the only result is that, in return for a nominal recovery of our territory we have opened all the important places north of Yen-chi, have lost all our rights there so that it will be impossible for us to keep anything for ourselves in the southern part of Kirin, and have agreed to borrow money from them for the construction of the Kirin-Huining Railway, whereby the power of the South Manchurian Railway will be extended throughout the two provinces of Fengtien and Kirin. The Japanese have not only supreme authority in Corea, their power is now extended as far as the capital of Kirin. We have also precluded ourselves from constructing any parallel line west of the Liao and have thereby put a stop to the gradual development of communications in Manchuria. In fact, on account of a dispute about the boundaries of one piece of land, we have lost all our rights in Manchuria, and it would have been incomparably better to surrender the land to them at once without any attempt at negotiation.\n\nFurthermore, the Russian military forces in the Far East have been enormously increased in recent years, munitions of war have been constantly sent out by the Siberian Railway, and they are eagerly watching for an opportunity of avenging their defeat. When they see how Japan has been able, merely through a dispute about boundaries, to secure these great concessions their resentment will naturally be extreme. Other countries too, seeing how easy it is to get the better of us, will put forward claims to equal privileges, and when I consider what difficult international questions and what terrible wars are impending I cannot but feel the utmost apprehension. I feel, however, that although the Wai-wu Pu have complete authority in international questions it is still the duty of the provincial authorities to defend their country, and as your Excellency's telegram to Na-tung proved of no avail I addressed a long telegram to the Wai-wu Pu, but the fact that I have received no reply is sufficient evidence that the Board's view is unfavourable. If I delay any longer the agreement will be signed, and then not only will our remonstrances be unavailing, but even the Imperial Power will be unable to help us. After long consideration the only course that appears open to me is to entreat your Excellency to memorialise the Throne by telegraph, setting forth all the aspects of the situation and asking that the Wai-wu Pu be instructed to lose no time in arranging some other solution which will recover some small portion of our rights.\n\nEven if the current rumours are false, my responsibility remains the same, and in the present critical position of affairs I am quite prepared to run the risk of censure, but I am confident that your Excellency, whose patriotism is known to all, will not regard my representations as mere blind ravings. Furthermore, in view of the pressing importance of the matter, this telegram has been prepared in consultation with the Commissioners and Taotais, including Shih Taotai, from Harbin, who is at present here. They were unanimous in holding that the situation admitted of no delay, and unite with me in requesting your Excellency to submit a memorial by telegraph in order to save our country.\n\n## Inclosure 2 in No. 1\n\n### Newspaper Extract\n\n#### THE MANCHURIAN CONVENTION: EXPLANATION OF THE MURDEN \"SECRET\" AGREEMENT\n\n**Official Communiqué**\n\nSince the consummation of the recent negotiations and the publication (by the \"Peking and Tien-tsin Times\") of the two agreements between China and Japan, relating to Chientao and some of the Manchurian questions, it seems as if some quarters have been exercised by some misapprehension and misgivings. There seems to be involved misunderstandings on two points in regard to the import of article 4 of the Manchurian agreement. The first is that the clause reading \"in conformity with the general principles agreed to by the governor-general of the three eastern provinces and the governor of the province of Mukden with the Japanese consul-general in the 40th year of Meiji (1907), &c.\" is looked upon as referring to a secret agreement of some sort which had been entered into between the authorities of the two countries on some prior occasion. The second is that the above article gives to Japan exclusive rights of exploiting the mining properties along the Antung-Mukden Railway and the main line of the South Manchurian Railway, which is incompatible with the principle of the \"open door and equal opportunities\"; while some seem to see in it a violation of the treaty rights of other Powers. If only for the sake of laying correct information before the public a reasonable statement seems to be called for at this moment.\n\nIn the first place the negotiations between the Chinese authorities and the Japanese consul-general at Mukden in 1907 were merely a necessary and natural sequel to the Peking protocol of December 1905. As Japan succeeded, by the treaty", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-362 - Public Offices - 1909.txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 423390, "series_id": 27, "series_slug": "histsyn-co129-engine", "series_title": "CO129 Colonial Office Hong Kong Records 理藩院香港檔案", "series_use_hku_proxy": false, "document_key": "CO129-362 - Public Offices - 1909", "page_number": 793, "title": "CO129-362 - Public Offices - 1909", "content_text": "## CONFIDENTIAL\n\n[30157]\nNo. 1.\n\n**RECE¡Rect 3 NOV 09**\n791\n\n[August 10.]\n\n### SECTION 4.\n\n**Sir J. Jordan to Sir Edward Grey.-(Received August 10.)**\n\n(No. 135.) (Telegraphic.) P.\n\n**CHINCHOW-TAONAN-FU Railway.**\n\nPeking, August 10, 1909.\n\nI have received your telegram No. 131 of yesterday's date, and have discussed the position with Pauling's representative.\n\nLord ffrench is aware that His Majesty's Government are prepared to support him whenever he should desire it, but does not think that the time is yet ripe for requesting our active assistance, as he is of opinion that until the negotiations with the Chinese are in a fairer prospect of settlement it will be useless to approach the Japanese legation on the subject.\n\nIt cannot be said that the discussions with the Chinese have advanced the matter to any great extent, but there seems no reason so far to doubt the genuine intention of the Chinese to construct the railway or the fulfilment of their promise to give Paulings the contract for the same.\n\nC. 0. 36185\n\n[This Document is the Property of His Britannic Majesty's Government.]\n\n**CHINA RAILWAYS.**\n\nPage 6 \n\nof Portsmouth, to the Russian railways in South Manchuria and all the rights pertaining thereto, it became a matter of simple necessity to her that she should arrange with China some definite regulations concerning the working of the mines along the railways, which constituted the principal item of the rights included in the above succession. China shared the same view. And it was agreed in the Peking Conference that the workable regulations shall be arranged in due course.\n\nIn consequence of this agreement, the aforesaid negotiations were opened in 1907. But owing to one or two minor points of detail failing to find complete and final agreement, and, in addition, important changes in the personnel of the Chinese authorities concerned in the meantime, the main agreement remained short of being made definite. Hence, in article 4 above referred to, it has been provided to have the regulations drawn in conformity with the principles which had already undergone full discussion and found general agreement on the whole in the course of the negotiations. It was nothing more than to save both parties from the unnecessary trouble of retracing the same grounds, so exhaustively covered in previous negotiations, which would bring profit to neither party. To a careful and impartial reader of the article in question, it will be but a matter of self-evident clearness that no possible hint as to the existence of any secret agreement on the subject could be derived from it.\n\nIn the second place, along the South Manchurian Railway, there is no mine of special value except those of Fu-hun and Yetai, over which Japan acquired rights as a result of the Treaty of Portsmouth; nor is there much prospect of valuable assets in mines along the Antung-Mukden Railway, except the Pen-hsi-hu coal mine. In the course of settling various matters of common concern to China and Japan in Manchuria, it is only natural that both parties, in conformity to the spirit of the Peking Protocol, should find it necessary to dispose of the question, if only in so far as to lay down the basis as to the drawing up of the regulations for exploiting the mines along the railways.\n\nAs to the Pen-hsi-hu Mine, it was worked solely by the Japanese at the outset, but later, by mutual consent of the two countries, it was made a joint undertaking, and the necessary regulations are now being arranged at Mukden. The negotiations are being conducted in quite an open manner, without the least element of secrecy. That the negotiations in 1907 were also conducted in the like manner, is also a self-evident fact that no person, possessing in any degree information as to the circumstances at the time, will find any room to doubt.\n\nTo re-capitulate: Article 4 in the recent Manchurian Agreement is nothing more or less than a provision for procedure of arranging the regulations for practical working of the mining properties, which is simply an outcome of, and sequel to, the Peking Protocol, and it has given no fresh concession of rights to Japan under whatever cover, nor does it refer to any previous secret concession agreement. Neither can it possibly be construed as tantamount to the nullification of the principle of the \"open door and equal opportunities.\" As to an insinuation that it violates the treaty rights of other Powers, the exaggeration is too plain to need any refutation.", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-362 - Public Offices - 1909.txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 423394, "series_id": 27, "series_slug": "histsyn-co129-engine", "series_title": "CO129 Colonial Office Hong Kong Records 理藩院香港檔案", "series_use_hku_proxy": false, "document_key": "CO129-362 - Public Offices - 1909", "page_number": 797, "title": "CO129-362 - Public Offices - 1909", "content_text": "## Inclosure 2 in No. 1.\n\n**Note communicated by Wai-wu Pu to Russian Minister.**\n\nTHE Wai-wu Pu are in receipt of a memorandum from the Russian Minister stating that:----\n\n\"The Russian Government ... in its terms.\"\n\nThe above statements are fair and reasonable, but the board would point out that, in the matter of the present agreement with the four banks, China has already given her consent regarding the portion of the loan and the various other privileges which are to accrue to the Banque de l'Indo-Chine, and the question whether that bank should hand over a portion of its share to the Russo-Chinese Bank is for the French bank to consider, and the board cannot decide the matter beforehand. If the Russian bank can previously obtain the consent of the French bank, and the British, German, and American banks raise no objection, and provided also that no alteration of the terms of the original agreement is entailed, China, in view of the close friendship between Russia and herself, will not regard the arrangement with disfavour,\n\nSeptember 15, 1909.\n\n[This Document is the Property of His Britannic Majesty's Government.]\n\nC. 0. 30185 (Rec'd 3 NOV 09)\n\n## SECTION 1. CHINA RAILWAYS.\n\n**CONFIDENTIAL.**\n\n[38223]\n\n### No. 1.\n\n**Sir J. Jordan to Sir Edward Grey.-(Received October 16.)**\n\n**(No 309. Secret.)** Sir,\n\nPeking, September 1, 1909. LORD FFRENCH, the agent of Messrs. Pauling and Co., has during the last few months been actively engaged in endeavouring to induce the Chinese authorities to complete the agreement of the 26th September, 1908, for the construction by contract of the Chinchow-Taonanfu Railway, but beyond general assurances that the Chinese fully intended to give effect to the preliminary arrangement, no progress has been made with the negotiations.\n\nAs reported in my telegram No. 122 of the 22nd July last, Lord ffrench again approached the Japanese Minister on the subject, who, although very guarded and non-committal in his language, conveyed the impression that the Japanese attitude had undergone considerable modification, and that serious objections were no longer likely to be offered by Japan to the undertaking.\n\nThe Japanese had evidently realised that the advent of America as a competitor for railway contract in China had introduced a new factor in the situation, and the appointment of Mr. Straight as the representative of the American group showed clearly the direction which American activity was likely to take.\n\nOn the receipt of your telegram No. 131 of the 9th August, I conferred with Lord ffrench as to whether anything could be gained by again discussing the question with the Japanese Minister, and repeated the offer, which I had made several times before, to afford him any assistance which he considered likely to facilitate his negotiations.\n\nLord ffrench considered that it was useless to approach Mr. Ijuin until the negotiations with the Chinese had made some further progress, and thought that the moment had not yet arrived when the support of the legation could be usefully invoked. He wished especially to have a further interview with the president of the Board of Communications before appealing to me.\n\nYour telegram No. 132 of the 20th August confirmed the view of the Japanese attitude as communicated to Lord ffrench by Mr. Ijuin. The Japanese Government, you informed me, were willing to forego their opposition to the Chinchow-Tsitsihar Railway if they could secure participation in financing the line and supplying engineers for its construction. The Japanese Government, you added, could not well approach the Chinese Government on the subject, but they would be ready to entertain any proposals which China put forward of her own motion. Messrs. Pauling and Co. having no objection to an arrangement of this kind, I was instructed to confer with my Japanese colleague and see what steps, if any, could be taken to induce China to take the initiative in the matter.\n\nThe Japanese Minister, with whom I had an interview on the subject on the 27th August, explained that he had himself mentioned once or twice to the Wai-wu Pu the reports which were current regarding the intention of China to construct this railway through the agency of a British firm, and had expressed a hope that Japan would be consulted in any arrangements that might ultimately be made. These overtures had elicited no response, but Mr. Ijuin anticipated a more friendly attitude on the part of China as soon as the Manchurian negotiations, which were nearing completion, had reached a solution, and, in the meantime, he thought that any concerted attempt to influence China in the desired direction had better be deferred. In thanking me cordially for my offer of co-operation, he suggested that I might possibly find an opportunity of sounding the Chinese on the subject, and to this I willingly agreed. An interview yesterday with his Excellency Hsu Shih-ch'ang, the President of the Ministry of Communications, furnished an occasion for doing so.\n\nHis Excellency, it will be remembered, was Viceroy of Manchuria when the preliminary agreement of the 26th September, 1908, was signed, and it is with his...", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-362 - Public Offices - 1909.txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 423395, "series_id": 27, "series_slug": "histsyn-co129-engine", "series_title": "CO129 Colonial Office Hong Kong Records 理藩院香港檔案", "series_use_hku_proxy": false, "document_key": "CO129-362 - Public Offices - 1909", "page_number": 798, "title": "CO129-362 - Public Offices - 1909", "content_text": "## \n\n2 \n\nThe department that all the recent negotiations have been conducted. Before going to this interview, Lord ffrench informed me that the Chinese had recently shown great suspicion of his firm being associated with the Japanese in this undertaking, and asked me if an opportunity offered to give a contradiction to the rumours which had been published in the vernacular press.\n\nThe interview had not proceeded far before his Excellency Hsü, referring to the railway question, inquired as to the standing and business connections of Messrs. Pauling and Co. I told him that the firm held a leading position in the railway world, and assured him that it was a bona fide British concern which had made no arrangements with regard to this line either with Japanese or other foreign firms. If China, however, for reasons which I could easily understand, thought it desirable to give the Japanese a business participation in the construction of the line, I felt sure that Messrs. Pauling and Co. would be glad to fall in with any terms which might be proposed.\n\nHsü Ta-jen expressed undisguised satisfaction at learning that Pauling and Co. were not committed to the Japanese, and said that, having received this authoritative statement from me, he would dismiss from his mind the rumours which had been troubling his judgment. He gave it to be clearly understood that his main solicitude was to exclude Japanese participation in any form, and the impression I gathered was that any further overtures on the subject would, in the present temperament of the Chinese, only do harm to Messrs. Pauling and Co. without in any way advancing the object desired by the Japanese Government. Mr. Lian, to whom I have reported the result of my interview, still hopes that more friendly sentiments may prevail on the conclusion of the Manchurian negotiations, but the indications at present are, I regret to say, not favourable in any quarter.\n\nThe views of Hsu Shih-ch'ang appear to be fully shared by the Viceroy of Manchuria. On the 19th August last, the latter sent a delegate to the British, American, and German consuls at Mukden to consult them regarding the prospect of procuring capital from their respective countries for the construction of this and other railways in Manchuria and the development of its mineral resources. The object, as Mr. Willis points out in his despatch, copy of which is enclosed, is evidently to create a sort of international counterpoise to Japanese enterprise in Manchuria.\n\nAlthough it has been morally certain for some time past that America would acquire, if she had not already acquired, an interest in the Chinchow-Taonanfu project, it was only on the arrival of Mr. Straight that the fact was ascertained beyond a doubt. Mr. Straight has informed Lord ffrench that he holds an agreement for the financing of the line, which was signed about the same time as the agreement for its survey and ultimate construction concluded with Pauling and Co. in September 1908. The Japanese Government are, therefore, already confronted with a combination of British and American interests to which those of Germany or France may form a possible addition if it suits the United States group to give either of these Powers a share in the financing of the line.\n\n3 \n\nThere were two proposed railway lines: one from Chinchow to Taonanfu with the possibility of extension to Tsi Tsi-har or some other point on the Chinese Eastern Railway, the other from Mukden to Yen-chi-ting or some other town in the Chientao district.\n\nThe first line would open up a large tract of fertile agricultural land, whilst the second would run through a country rich in minerals of every kind, the extraction of which a railway would render economically possible.\n\nIt was out of the question that China herself should provide the capital necessary for enterprises on so large a scale, but if British, American, or German capitalists would come forward, his Excellency would be prepared to grant very liberal conditions.\n\nThe Central Government, Mr. Teng went on to say, realised that the conditions in Manchuria were different to elsewhere in China, and the Viceroy thought that if he personally recommended the grant of mining concessions under terms more favourable than those laid down in the General Mining Regulations, or the raising of a railway loan under exceptional conditions, no objection would be raised in Peking. Chinese public opinion in Manchuria was practically non-existent, and there was no chance of any outbreak of popular feeling against concessions to foreigners.\n\nFrom the general tone of the acting commissioner in recent conversations with me, it seems evident that Japan's action in the Antung-Mukden Railway question has roused his Excellency Hsi Liang's bitter resentment, and he has now come to the conclusion that it is only by increasing the stake that Powers like America, Germany, and Great Britain hold in Manchuria that China can have any chance of withstanding Japan's gradual but sure advance. To attain this end, his Excellency is prepared to make considerable sacrifices.\n\nMr. Teng informed me that he had been instructed to place similar views before my American and German colleagues.\n\nI had the honour to telegraph the gist of this despatch to you yesterday evening.\n\nI have, &c.\n\nROBERT WILLIS.\n\n## Inclosure in No. 1.\n\n(No. 36.) Sir,\n\nActing Consul-General Willis to Sir J. Jordan.\n\nMukden, August 20, 1909.\n\nMR. TENG, the acting commissioner of the Fengtien Board of Foreign Affairs, called on me yesterday afternoon and informed me that he had been instructed by his Excellency Hsi Liang to consult with me confidentially as to the possibility of procuring British capital for the construction of railways and the development of the mineral resources of the three eastern provinces.\n\nHis Excellency's policy, Mr. Teng stated, was to maintain as far as possible the principle of equal rights and opportunities for the subjects of all nations in the three eastern provinces, but that at present, his Excellency thought, the possibility of the development of the agricultural and mineral resources of the country was dependent almost entirely on the attitude of the South Manchurian Railway in the south and the Chinese Eastern Railway in the north.\n\nThere were two lines of railway, the construction of which his Excellency would like to see undertaken as soon as possible, from Chin Chou to Taonan-fu, with the", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-362 - Public Offices - 1909.txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 423420, "series_id": 27, "series_slug": "histsyn-co129-engine", "series_title": "CO129 Colonial Office Hong Kong Records 理藩院香港檔案", "series_use_hku_proxy": false, "document_key": "CO129-363 - Public Offices & Others - 1909", "page_number": 24, "title": "CO129-363 - Public Offices & Others - 1909", "content_text": "**CONFIDENTIAL**\n\n# CHINA RAILWAYS\n\n36392 \nIREC \n23 \n[August 27] NOVOS \nSECTION 3.\n\n[32326]\n\n## No. 1.\n\n**(No. 141.)** \nSir J. Jordan to Sir Edward Grey.—(Received August 27.) \n**(Telegraphic.)** P. \n**RAILWAY negotiations**\n\nPeking, August 27, 1909.\n\nPlease see the telegram sent to London to-day by Mr. Tillier, and the telegram of the 25th instant from Mr. Addis, to Peking.\n\nMr. Hillier considers that the arguments advanced in the latter of the above telegrams do not preclude him from signing the agreement according to his original instructions, but I have communicated to him my view that the terms of your telegram No. 137 of the 24th instant, prohibit his taking that course.\n\nAs regards, however, the suggestion made in your telegram No. 137, I am bound to say that, in my opinion, such a division of the line would not be possible without breaking the loan agreement as initialled. It would further be difficult to carry the proposed arrangement into effect, owing to the fact that the extension from Ichang to Chengtu has not hitherto come within the scope of the negotiations with Chang.\n\nThe French having now withdrawn their objection, I venture to ask whether you still attach importance to an immediate as opposed to a future settlement of the question of the extension to Chengtu.\n\n[32354]\n\n## No. 2.\n\n**(No. 142.)** \nSir J. Jordan to Sir Edward Grey.—(Received August 27.) \n**(Telegraphic.)** P. \n**CHINCHOW-TAONANFU Railway**\n\nPeking, August 27, 1909.\n\nI had an interview to-day with my Japanese colleague, and I spoke to him in the sense of your telegram No. 132 of the 20th instant.\n\nHe told me that he had received no reply from the Wai-wu Pu to his recent suggestion that they should obtain the advice of the Japanese before making definite plans for the construction of the railway. In his opinion the Chinese would be more inclined to view the matter in a friendly way after the settlement, which would not now be long delayed, of the Manchurian negotiations, and it would be advisable to suspend action on our part meanwhile, though he thought that I might perhaps endeavour to ascertain the views of the Chinese if a suitable opportunity were to present itself. I told him that I would do so.\n\nI cannot help thinking that it will be no easy task to persuade the Chinese into taking the first step and meeting the Japanese half way, as I interpret the action of the Mukden Viceroy in conveying to the British, German, and American consular officers on the 19th August his desire that the proposed mining and railway developments in Manchuria should be financed with either British, or German, or American capital, as showing the anxiety of the Chinese authorities to put a check on Japanese activity in those regions.\n\n**(Secret.)**\n\nLord ffrench tells me that at the same time as he was carrying through, on behalf of Paulings, the agreement for the survey and construction of the line, an arrangement was concluded, and is now in the hands of Mr. Straight, the representative of the American group, for the financing of the railway by American capital. In Lord ffrench's opinion, however, the existence of this agreement does not necessarily preclude the possibility of Japanese participation in the undertaking.\n\n[2389 dd-3]", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-363 - Public Offices & Others - 1909.txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 423489, "series_id": 27, "series_slug": "histsyn-co129-engine", "series_title": "CO129 Colonial Office Hong Kong Records 理藩院香港檔案", "series_use_hku_proxy": false, "document_key": "CO129-363 - Public Offices & Others - 1909", "page_number": 93, "title": "CO129-363 - Public Offices & Others - 1909", "content_text": "# CHINA RAILWAYS\n## CONFIDENTIAL\n\n92\n\n23 NOV 09\n\n### SECTION 3\n#### [32867]\nNo. 1.\n\n**Sir J. Jordan to Sir Edward Grey.--(Received August 31.)** \n**(No. 143.) (Telegraphic.) P.**\n\nPeking, August 31, 1909.\n\nCHINCHOW-TSITSIHAR Railway. Please refer to my telegram No. 142 of the 27th instant.\n\nI took the opportunity of an interview to-day with the former Viceroy of Manchuria, who is now president of the Board of Communications, to turn the conversation unobtrusively to the proposed Chinchow-Tsitsihar Railway.\n\nHis Excellency first declared his intention of proceeding with the negotiations with Paulings as heretofore, but was anxious to know whether there existed any agreement between the British firm and the Japanese. I replied that no such arrangement had been made, and added that in this respect Paulings would act as desired by the Chinese Government.\n\nHis Excellency did not avail himself of the opening thus given him to state the wishes of his Government in this connection. He made quite clear, however, his personal objection to any form of Japanese participation, and declared himself highly pleased to learn from an authoritative source that the rumours of an understanding between Paulings and the Japanese were devoid of foundation.\n\n[2389 hh--3]", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-363 - Public Offices & Others - 1909.txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 423490, "series_id": 27, "series_slug": "histsyn-co129-engine", "series_title": "CO129 Colonial Office Hong Kong Records 理藩院香港檔案", "series_use_hku_proxy": false, "document_key": "CO129-363 - Public Offices & Others - 1909", "page_number": 94, "title": "CO129-363 - Public Offices & Others - 1909", "content_text": "# CHINA RAILWAYS\n## CONFIDENTIAL\n\nPre2 \nRro 23 NOV 09.\n\n9% \n\n[September 2.]\n\n### SECTION 5.\n\n[33051]\n\n#### No. 1.\n\n**Sir J. Jordan to Sir Edward Grey.-(Received September 2.)**\n\n**(No. 144. Confidential.)**\n**(Telegraphic.) P.**\n\n**CHINCHOW-TSITSIHAR Railway.**\n\nPeking, September 2, 1909.\n\nI have received your telegram No. 142 of yesterday's date. Pauling's representative has informed me that Mr. Straight had interviews yesterday with the Wai-wu Pu and the Board of Communications, before whom he laid proposals regarding the construction and the financing of the line. It appears that he was acting not only for the American group, but also on behalf of Pauling's, and his proposals were received by the Chinese in a generally satisfactory manner.\n\nThe plan of campaign appears to me to be that Pauling's are allowing the Americans to take the most prominent part in the negotiations, so that it will be the duty of the latter group to grapple first with any opposition that may be forthcoming from the Japanese.\n\n[2413 6-5]", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-363 - Public Offices & Others - 1909.txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 423491, "series_id": 27, "series_slug": "histsyn-co129-engine", "series_title": "CO129 Colonial Office Hong Kong Records 理藩院香港檔案", "series_use_hku_proxy": false, "document_key": "CO129-363 - Public Offices & Others - 1909", "page_number": 95, "title": "CO129-363 - Public Offices & Others - 1909", "content_text": "# CHINA RAILWAYS\n## CONFIDENTIAL\n### [33089]\n#### No. 1.\n\nPack \n23 NOV 09 \n\n[September 3.] \n94 \nSECTION 4. \n(No. 145.) \n\n**Sir J. Jordan to Sir Edward Grey.(Received September 3.)** \n**(Telographic.) P.** \n\n### CHINCHOW-TSITSIHAR Railway \n\nPeking, September 3, 1909. \n\nI had a conversation yesterday with Mr. Straight, who confirmed what I had previously reported to you in my immediately preceding telegrams Nos. 143 and 144 of the 31st August and 2nd September respectively. \n\nHis own Government, he said, were prepared to ignore Japanese protests, and the Chinese were firmly opposed to the Japanese being allowed to participate in any manner whatever. The proposal now under consideration was to create a company with American, British, and Chinese directors who would control the railway, and it was thought that such a scheme might perhaps eliminate the possibility of strategic objections on the part of Japan. \n\nMr. Straight added, for my strictly confidential information, that there existed an agreement, as yet unfulfilled, which the Japanese had concluded with an American group in 1905 regarding the South Manchurian Railway. Revival of this agreement would be far from welcome to the Japanese, who were therefore gravely handicapped as against the Americans. \n\n`[2413 c-4]` \nJ", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-363 - Public Offices & Others - 1909.txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 423501, "series_id": 27, "series_slug": "histsyn-co129-engine", "series_title": "CO129 Colonial Office Hong Kong Records 理藩院香港檔案", "series_use_hku_proxy": false, "document_key": "CO129-363 - Public Offices & Others - 1909", "page_number": 105, "title": "CO129-363 - Public Offices & Others - 1909", "content_text": "# \n\n**[This Document is the Property of His Britannic Majesty's Government.]** \n\n**CHINA RAILWAYS.** \n\n**CONFIDENTIAL**\n\n30161 \n\n09 \n\n104 \n\n[November 5] \n\n## SECTION 1. \n\n[40339] \n\n**(No. 178.)** \n\n### No. 1. \n\n**Sir Edward Grey to Sir J. Jordan.** \n\n**(Telegraphic.) R.** \n\nForeign Office, November 5, 1909. YOUR telegram No. 170 [of the 26th October: Chinchow-Aigun Railway]. Paulings ask for support in obtaining final Imperial edict. \n\nOur line seems to be that we desire to support the project as British enterprise is engaged in it, and also to encourage co-operation with American interests, but that after what has passed we must support a proposal for Japanese participation if pressed. Do you agree? Would it be of any use attempting, with the support of the United States Government, which we could endeavour to obtain here, to persuade the Chinese Government to allow Japanese participation?\n\n[2486 e---1]", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-363 - Public Offices & Others - 1909.txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 423594, "series_id": 27, "series_slug": "histsyn-co129-engine", "series_title": "CO129 Colonial Office Hong Kong Records 理藩院香港檔案", "series_use_hku_proxy": false, "document_key": "CO129-363 - Public Offices & Others - 1909", "page_number": 198, "title": "CO129-363 - Public Offices & Others - 1909", "content_text": "# CHINA RAILWAYS.\n\n39215 \nWX 2 DEC 09\n\n## [September 25.]\n\n**CONFIDENTIAL.**\n\n[35643] \nNo. 1. \n### SECTION 1.\n\n(No. 158.) \n**Sir J. Jordan to Sir Edward Grey.-(Received September 25.)** \n**(Telegraphic.) P.**\n\n## CHINCHOW-TSITSIHAR Railway.\n\nPeking, September 25, 1909.\n\nThe negotiations between Messrs. Pauling, the American group, and the Chinese are, I am told, about to be resumed in the course of next week.\n\nI propose to base my attitude on what I understand to be the intention of your telegram No. 145 of the 7th instant, namely, that, unless approached by my Japanese colleague, I should refrain from taking any step as regards Japanese participation in the railway.\n\n[2413 bb---1]", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-363 - Public Offices & Others - 1909.txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 423595, "series_id": 27, "series_slug": "histsyn-co129-engine", "series_title": "CO129 Colonial Office Hong Kong Records 理藩院香港檔案", "series_use_hku_proxy": false, "document_key": "CO129-363 - Public Offices & Others - 1909", "page_number": 199, "title": "CO129-363 - Public Offices & Others - 1909", "content_text": "[This Document is the Property of His Britannic Majesty's Government.]\n\n# CHINA RAILWAYS\n\n**CONFIDENTIAL**\n\n[37199]\n\n## No. 1\n\n198 \n\n39215 \n\n2 DEC 09,\n\n[October 7.]- \n\n### SECTION 1\n\n**Sir C. MacDonald to Sir Edward Grey.—(Received October 7.)**\n\n**(No. 56. Confidential.) (Telegraphic.) P.**\n\nTokyo, October 7, 1909.\n\nI sounded the Minister for Foreign Affairs to-day with reference to Sir John Jordan's telegram No. 163 on the subject of the Chinchow-Tsitsihar Railway.\n\nI gathered that no information has so far reached the Japanese Government that the preliminary agreement referred to in the telegram from His Majesty's Minister at Peking had been signed.\n\nWhilst maintaining that the Chinchow-Tsitsihar Railway will run parallel to the South Manchurian Line and compete with the latter, the Japanese Government are prepared to waive their objections on these grounds if they are granted a participation in the financing of the line, and are allowed to supply the engineer for its construction. When information reaches the Japanese Government of the signature of the agreement mentioned, which will be the case before long, they will address an appeal to His Majesty's Government and to that of the United States, and also without doubt lodge a protest with the Chinese Government.\n\n[2471 g-1]", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-363 - Public Offices & Others - 1909.txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 423613, "series_id": 27, "series_slug": "histsyn-co129-engine", "series_title": "CO129 Colonial Office Hong Kong Records 理藩院香港檔案", "series_use_hku_proxy": false, "document_key": "CO129-363 - Public Offices & Others - 1909", "page_number": 217, "title": "CO129-363 - Public Offices & Others - 1909", "content_text": "# CHINA RAILWAYS\n## CONFIDENTIAL\n\nNo. 1.\n\n2 DEC 09\n\n### SECTION 1.\n\n(No. 312.) Sir,\n\nSir C. MacDonald to Sir Edward Grey.--(Received November 20.)\n\nTokyo, October 23, 1909. ON the 5th October Sir John Jordan repeated to this Embassy his telegrams Nos. 161 and 163 to you, reporting that a preliminary agreement had been signed at Mukden by the Viceroy and governor, with an American group and the British firm of contractors, Messrs. Pauling, for the financing, construction, and operation of a railway from Chinchow to Aigun on the Amur.\n\nBy the preliminary agreement the English firm are entrusted with the appointment of the chief engineer, and the contracting of the line generally; the American syndicate are to do the financing, but their associates are admitted to participation to the extent of 40 per cent. of the whole.\n\nThe railway is to be operated by a company composed of British, Americans, and Chinese to the exclusion of persons of any other nationality, unless approved of by the Chinese Government. An Imperial Edict of the 3rd October orders the Wai-wu Pu, Board of Finance, and Board of Communications jointly to memorialise the throne after consulting the Viceroy and governor at Mukden.\n\nIn passing, it may be noted that this railway was first projected between Chinchow and Taonan-fa, and then to Tsitsihar; it has now reached Aigun on the Amur.\n\nAs the above report was a marked step in advance on the somewhat vague and tentative negotiations which have been proceeding for some time past regarding this railway, which, as you are aware, the Japanese Government state they are not prepared to oppose, provided they were allowed a share in the financing and appointment of engineers, I took an early opportunity of sounding Count Komura on the subject. His Excellency said that the Japanese Government had no fresh news from Mukden or Peking. It was clear from the manner in which his Excellency spoke that the information contained in Sir John Jordan's telegrams had not reached the Japanese Foreign Office. In the course of a conversation which followed, his Excellency stated that the Japanese Government considered that the railway was parallel, and would compete with the South Manchurian; still they were prepared to raise no objections to its construction, provided the conditions which I have mentioned were consented to by the Chinese Government. I asked his Excellency what steps would be taken by the Japanese Government should the Chinese Government decline to consider these conditions, and excluded the Japanese from participation in any form. Count Komura said that his Government would wait until such information were officially notified to them, when they would lodge a strong protest with the Chinese Government. They would also lay the matter before the British and American Governments, and ask for their friendly assistance. I had the honour to telegraph the above information to you the same day (my telegram No. 56).\n\nSince the above conversation took place, the newspapers have published reports stating that Mr. Straight, who represents the American syndicate, has signed some sort of agreement with the Chinese Government for the construction of the railway from Chinchow to Tsitsihar, but the details are not known; although the matter is attracting considerable attention, it has not been taken very seriously at present.\n\nI have seen Count Komura several times since the interview I have mentioned; he is personally inclined to think that the railway will never be built; I venture to think that if the Japanese Government can help it, it never will. His Excellency is of opinion that even if Mr. Straight has signed, as the newspapers say, a preliminary agreement, it will most likely not receive the Imperial sanction. It would seem that three Boards, Foreign Affairs, Communications, and Treasury have to come to an agreement on the matter before the throne can be memorialised, and his Excellency is of opinion, from his own experience of Peking, that these Boards will take a considerable time to agree, if they ever do.", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-363 - Public Offices & Others - 1909.txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 423667, "series_id": 27, "series_slug": "histsyn-co129-engine", "series_title": "CO129 Colonial Office Hong Kong Records 理藩院香港檔案", "series_use_hku_proxy": false, "document_key": "CO129-363 - Public Offices & Others - 1909", "page_number": 271, "title": "CO129-363 - Public Offices & Others - 1909", "content_text": "# CHINA RAILWAYS\n## CONFIDENTIAL\n\n### SECTION 3\n\n#### No. 1\n\nSir C. MacDonald to Sir Edward Grey.-(Received November 20.)\n\n(No. 312.)\n\nSir,\n\nTokyo, October 23, 1909.\n\nON the 5th October Sir John Jordan repeated to this embassy his telegrams to you No. 161 and No. 163, reporting that a preliminary agreement had been signed at Mukden by the Viceroy and the governor with an American group and the British firm of contractors, Messrs. Pauling, for the financing, construction, and operation of a railway from Chinchow to Aigun, on the Amur.\n\nBy the preliminary agreement the English firm are entrusted with the appointment of the chief engineer and the contracting of the line generally, the American syndicate are to do the financing, but their associates are admitted to participation to the extent of 40 per cent. of the whole.\n\nThe railway is to be operated by a company composed of British, Americans, and Chinese, to the exclusion of persons of any other nationality unless approved by the Chinese Government. An Imperial edict of the 3rd October orders the Wai-wu Pu, Board of Finance, and Board of Communications to jointly memorialise the Throne after consulting the Viceroy and governor at Mukden.\n\nIn passing it may be noted that this railway was first projected between Chiuchow and Taonan-fu, and then to Tsitsihar. It has now reached Aigun, on the Amur.\n\nAs the above report was a marked step in advance on the somewhat vague and tentative negotiations which have been proceeding for some time past regarding this railway, which, as you are aware, the Japanese Government state they are not prepared to oppose, provided they were allowed a share in the financing and appointment of engineers, I took an early opportunity of sounding Count Komura on the subject. His Excellency said that the Japanese Government had no fresh news from Mukden or Peking. It was clear, from the manner in which his Excellency spoke, that the information contained in Sir John Jordan's telegrams had not reached the Japanese Foreign Office. In the course of a conversation which followed, his Excellency stated that the Japanese Government considered that the railway was parallel, and would compete with, the South Manchurian; still they were prepared to raise no objections to its construction provided the conditions which I have mentioned were consented to by the Chinese Government. I asked his Excellency what steps would be taken by the Japanese Government should the Chinese Government decline to consider these conditions, and excluded the Japanese from participation in any form. Count Komura said that his Government would wait until such information were officially notified to them, when they would lodge a strong protest with the Chinese Government. They would also lay the matter before the British and American Governments, and ask for their friendly assistance. I had the honour to telegraph the above information to you the same day (my telegram No. 56).\n\nSince the above conversation took place the newspapers have published reports stating that Mr. Straight, who represents the American syndicate, has signed some sort of agreement with the Chinese Government for the construction of the railway from Chinchow to Tsitsihar, but the details are not known; although the matter is attracting considerable attention it has not been taken very seriously at present.\n\nI have seen Count Komura several times since the interview I have mentioned. He is personally inclined to think that the railway will never be built. I venture to think that if the Japanese Government can help it, it never will. His Excellency is of opinion that even if Mr. Straight has signed, as the newspapers say, a preliminary agreement, it will most likely not receive the Imperial sanction. It would seem that three boards—Foreign Affairs, Communications, and Treasury—have to come to an agreement on the matter before the Throne can be memorialised, and his Excellency is of opinion, from his own experience of Peking, that these boards will take a considerable time to agree, if they ever do.\n\nIn Sir John Jordan's despatch No. 365 to you of the 6th October, 1909, copy of which was sent to this embassy, he states that the Wai-wu Pu do not altogether approve...", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-363 - Public Offices & Others - 1909.txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 423740, "series_id": 27, "series_slug": "histsyn-co129-engine", "series_title": "CO129 Colonial Office Hong Kong Records 理藩院香港檔案", "series_use_hku_proxy": false, "document_key": "CO129-363 - Public Offices & Others - 1909", "page_number": 344, "title": "CO129-363 - Public Offices & Others - 1909", "content_text": "# CO \n\n## О 343 \n\n**[This Document is the Property of His Britannic Majesty's Goverment**](#) 43 \n\nRece Rege 24 per 09 October \n\n## CHINA RAILWAYS. \n\n**CONFIDENTIAL.** \n\n[36834] \n\n### No. 1. \n\n#### SECTION 4. \n\nSir J. Jordan to Sir Edward Grey.-(Received October 4.) \n\n(**No. 161.**) \n\nPeking, October 4, 1909. (**Telegraphic.**) P. \n\nWITH reference to your telegram No. 160 of the 27th ultimo respecting the Chinchow-Tsitsihar Railway, I have the honour to repeat to you the following telegram which I have to-day received from the acting consul-general at Mukden: \n\n\"On the 2nd October a preliminary agreement for the construction and financing of the line was concluded between the Viceroy of Manchuria and the representative of the American financial group. The latter was informed by the Viceroy yesterday evening of the issue of an edict granting the Imperial sanction to the agreement in question.\" \n\n[2471 d-4] \n\n## Page 3C \n\nFune", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-363 - Public Offices & Others - 1909.txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 423746, "series_id": 27, "series_slug": "histsyn-co129-engine", "series_title": "CO129 Colonial Office Hong Kong Records 理藩院香港檔案", "series_use_hku_proxy": false, "document_key": "CO129-363 - Public Offices & Others - 1909", "page_number": 350, "title": "CO129-363 - Public Offices & Others - 1909", "content_text": "# CHINA RAILWAYS.\n## CONFIDENTIAL.\n### SECTION 1.\n\n349\n\n[This Document is the Property of His Britannic Majesty's Government.]\n\nNo. 1.\n\n**Sir J. Jordan to Sir Edward Grey.-(Received December 13.)**\n**(No. 428. Confidential.)**\n\nPeking, November 19, 1909.\n\nIN my telegram No. 198 of the 7th November I had the honour to state that Lord ffrench and Mr. Straight had written to the Chinese Government for a definite decision regarding the proposed construction of a railway from Chinchow to Tsitsihar, and were waiting for a reply to their request. Nothing further has reached me since.\n\nIn a conversation, however, which I had a few days ago with Liang Tun-yen, he referred to this project and expressed his personal views on the subject. He considered that the present state of the region scarcely justified the expenditure which the project would entail. The Chinese Government, he thought, ought in the first instance to encourage the emigration of settlers into this sparsely inhabited district, and then gradually provide railway facilities as the development of the country progressed. It seemed to him premature and an inversion of the order of things to construct trunk railways on the outskirts of the Empire while there were so many thickly-populated provinces with little or no railway communication. These views were not, however, shared by some other members of the Government, notably the Manchu Grand Secretary, Shih Hsü, who was a strong advocate of the Chinchow-Tsitsihar project.\n\nThe Japanese Minister, Liang ta-jen said, had given the Chinese Government to understand that the Japanese would view it as a friendly act if they were consulted before effect was given to such a project. Liang was opposed to granting the Japanese any participation in the construction or working of the railway, as he thought the South Manchurian Railway gave them far too strong a hold upon Manchuria already, but, on the other hand, it seemed to him to savour of undue haste to start such a scheme so soon after the settlement of the Manchurian questions with Japan.\n\nLiang alluded, in the course of the conversation, to Prince Ito's visit to Harbin and his meeting with the Russian Finance Minister there, which, he thought, had rightly been connected with the idea of purchasing the Harbin-Kuanch'engtzu section of the line from Russia. The Chinese Eastern Railway, with its expensive system of guards and corrupt administration, which was quite as bad as that of China, was placing a severe strain on Russian finances, and Russia, he thought, now that she had started the Amur line, would not be altogether unwilling to be relieved of the burden of the railway through Manchuria.\n\nI have, &c.\n\n**J. N. JORDAN**\n\n[45210]\nCO 41443\nDecember 13\n[2538 N -1] \n`RC`", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-363 - Public Offices & Others - 1909.txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 423767, "series_id": 27, "series_slug": "histsyn-co129-engine", "series_title": "CO129 Colonial Office Hong Kong Records 理藩院香港檔案", "series_use_hku_proxy": false, "document_key": "CO129-363 - Public Offices & Others - 1909", "page_number": 371, "title": "CO129-363 - Public Offices & Others - 1909", "content_text": "## 370 \n## 421 \n\n[December 14]. \n\n### SECTION 1. \n\nJAN 10 \n\n**maritime Customs office at Dairen** as including the appended rules to the tariff. It would be advisable therefore to insert in the article the phrase \"and the appended rules thereto\" after the word \"tariff.\" \n\nThe third clause in article 1 of the provisional regulations reads: \"Foreign goods imported from a Chinese treaty port, if consumed in the leased territory, or re-exported from the leased territory, and when they are accompanied by duty-paid certificates, are entitled to drawback at the port of duty payment.\" \n\nThis is evidently at variance with article 9 of the agreement: \"For Japanese and other non-Chinese merchandise, on being shipped to Dairen from a Chinese treaty port, the import duty paid at the latter port shall be refunded by drawback according to treaty stipulations.\" \n\nMr. Tachibana closes his report by saying that he desires a fundamental change in the position of the Customs, and that he does not propose to enter into detailed points relating to desirable alterations in the agreement or the provisional regulations. \n\nUpon reviewing the whole situation, I think that the following conclusions will be reached: \n\n1. That sufficient answer has been made to the charge of wholesale smuggling to prove that it is impossible for this to have been carried on to the extent that the statistics in the Customs returns would seem to indicate, but that the charge has not been wholly disproved. I am sure that smuggling is carried on to a certain extent, but whether it can be prevented is another matter. It might be to the advantage of the Chinese authorities to keep a close watch on junks arriving from the leased territory at Fuchow and Kaiping in the Liaotung Peninsula and Chinchow-fu in the Liao-hsi district. \n\n2. That such smuggling as is carried on is not connived at by the South Manchurian Railway Company or the Japanese authorities in any way. \n\n3. That goods produced in the leased territory ought not to be allowed into the interior without payment of duty. I imagine that as regards the cement of the Onoda Company, this is done on purpose to compete with the Tongshan works. While the latter, however, have to pay a yearly sum in lieu of likin charges, not only are the former able to import all their materials free of any import duty, but their produce may circulate in the interior without paying any charges whatever. As has been pointed out before, it will be exceedingly difficult for the Chinese authorities to collect any duty on goods passing out of the various railway settlements. This will also apply to other goods manufactured here, and it is quite possible that in the course of a few years this place may become a considerable manufacturing centre. \n\n4. Better methods should be employed for the discovery of the proper quantity and value of the goods imported into Dairen. There appears to be some leakage in the offices regarding imports, as by joining a certain news agency, it is possible to learn exact particulars of all the cargo brought in the day previously. Many importers probably wilfully mis-state the nature of their cargo to prevent their rivals knowing what has been brought in. I understand that the leakage is in the wharf office. \n\n5. With regard to the commissioner of Customs' recommendations, I do not think it likely that the Japanese authorities can be induced to abolish the free area. It seems only fair, however, that the commissioner should be enabled to confiscate goods and impose fines in the same manner as in the treaty ports. \n\nThere seems to be a general idea abroad that foreign merchants are still being discriminated against in places where the Japanese have control. My experience during the past fourteen months is that this is not the case. \n\nAs this dispatch contains the gist of the private report of the commissioner of Customs, I have the honour to request that it may be treated as **confidential**. \n\nI have, &c. \n\nE. L. S. GORDON. \n\n0 \n\n[This Document is the Property of His Britannic Majesty's Government]. \n\n**AFFAIRS OF CHINA**. \n\n**CONFIDENTIAL**. \n\n[45361] \n\n### (No. 647.) \n\nSir, \n\n#### No. 1. \n\nSir A. Nicolson to Sir Edward Grey.--(Received December 14.) \n\nSt. Petersburgh, December 10, 1909. \n\nI HAVE the honour to transmit herewith summary of an article which has appeared in to-day's issue of the \"Novoe Vremya\" on the subject of the protest by China against the Harbin convention. \n\nI have, &c. \n\nA. NICOLSON. \n\n#### Inclosure in No. 1. \n\n**Précis of Article in the \"Novoe Vremya\" of December 10, 1909**. \n\nTHE Eastern Chinese Railway exists apparently chiefly for the purpose of draining the State Treasury and for the creation of endless diplomatic tangles. By the treaty of 1896 the rights of the railway were quite clearly and precisely defined. Both the company and the Chinese authorities thoroughly understood the position and all practical questions which arose were decided on the basis of the treaty. This was the position of affairs till the end of last year when some well-meaning hand interfered. The misunderstandings which arose with Chinese merchants residing in Harbin led to the closing of their trading establishments; in this connection it would have paid the company to have insisted on their legal rights, and it is regrettable that it should have been found necessary to have recourse to diplomatic representations. The Russian Minister in Peking, without sufficient reason, played too active a part in the negotiations respecting an alteration in that part of the treaty which gave the company exclusive rights of administration within the radius of the alienated land. As a result the convention of this year was signed between the company and the Chinese Government. The new agreement materially reduces the powers granted to the company by the treaty of 1896. Blame must attach to the Russian Minister in Peking for having signed such a document. Until this new agreement was concluded --an agreement which places all foreigners under the Chinese authorities--foreigners, \"with the exception, of course, of Germans and Americans,\" lived quietly and obeyed the regulations legally established by the company. Of course, foreigners will not consent to live under these new conditions, though at the same time they are quite ready to take advantage of the clauses in the Russo-Chinese agreement of this year in so far as they increase the rights of foreigners. \n\nA contrast between the present state of affairs at Harbin with the conditions prevailing previous to the signature of this last agreement is very much in favour of the latter. By her protest China has rendered this new instrument invalid and the position reverts to that existing under the treaty of 1896; and if any questions of administration arise in the alienated area, they should be decided without considering this last agreement, the validity of which is disputed by China and by third parties alike. There is only one thing, however, of which we are afraid, and that is Russian diplomatic methods. Russia is not claiming any new possessions, but she should and she must defend her existing rights from all attacks. Those who are directly connected with the negotiations must not forget that every international agreement is a legal act in which the force and extent of real and moral obligations must be taken into consideration. Those who do not understand this had better desist from diplomatic action, the significance of which they are often unable to foresee. The Chinese Government dispute the validity of this new agreement and we may be thankful for it; a fresh agreement, the necessity of which cannot be denied, will be drawn up by more experienced hands. \n\n[2548 -1]", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-363 - Public Offices & Others - 1909.txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 423769, "series_id": 27, "series_slug": "histsyn-co129-engine", "series_title": "CO129 Colonial Office Hong Kong Records 理藩院香港檔案", "series_use_hku_proxy": false, "document_key": "CO129-363 - Public Offices & Others - 1909", "page_number": 373, "title": "CO129-363 - Public Offices & Others - 1909", "content_text": "**CONFIDENTIAL**\n\n[36982]\n\nNo. 1.\n\n372\n421\n\n[October 5.]\n\nSECTION 14 JAN [0]\n\nSir J. Jordan to Sir Edward Grey.-(Received October 5.)\n\n(No. 163.) (Telegraphic.) P.\n\nPeking, October 5, 1909.\n\nIN continuation of my telegram No. 161 of yesterday's date, I have to report that I have now received from Lord ffrench a copy of the preliminary agreement, signed at Mukden by himself as Paulings' representative, the Viceroy, the governor, and the agent of the American syndicate, providing for the construction of the railway from Chinchow to Aigun.\n\nThe financing is to be in the hands of the Americans, their associates, however, participating to the extent of 40 per cent. of the total capital.\n\nThe operation of the line is to be controlled by a company to consist only of British, Chinese, and Americans, no other nationalities being admitted except with the consent of the Chinese Government.\n\nAs regards the construction of the line, Paulings are given both the contract for the same and the right to appoint the chief engineer.\n\nThe Viceroy and the governor have been ordered by an Imperial Edict, dated the 3rd instant, to draw up a memorial on the whole transaction, in concert with the Boards of Foreign Affairs, of Communications, and of Finance, for submission to the Throne.\n\n[2471 e-1]", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-363 - Public Offices & Others - 1909.txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 428107, "series_id": 27, "series_slug": "histsyn-co129-engine", "series_title": "CO129 Colonial Office Hong Kong Records 理藩院香港檔案", "series_use_hku_proxy": false, "document_key": "CO129-371 - Public Offices - 1910", "page_number": 32, "title": "CO129-371 - Public Offices - 1910", "content_text": "[This Document is the Property of His Britannic Majesty's Government.]\n\n31\n\n# CHINA RAILWAYS\n\n## CONFIDENTIAL\n\n[November 7]\n\n## SECTION 1\n\n[40878]\n\nNo. 1.\n\nSir J. Jordan to Sir Edward Grey.--(Received November 7.)\n\n(No. 178.) (Telegraphic.) P.\n\n### CHINCHOW-AIGUN Railway\n\nPeking, November 7, 1909.\n\nIn my opinion we should avoid any action which might be harmful to Paulings' interests or appear to place us on the Japanese as against the American side. I would, therefore, advise our not putting forward on our own account a proposal for Japanese participation, though I concur in the opinion expressed in your telegram No. 178 of the 5th instant, that what has occurred leaves us no option but to support such a proposal should the Japanese press for it. I have not received any further request for support from the Japanese Minister; indeed, I imagine that the Japanese now realise to what an extent the entry of the Americans upon the scene has modified the situation since the Japanese Ambassador's conversation with you on the 7th September, which you reported to me in your telegram No. 145 of that date.\n\nIf we desire to support Japanese participation in such a manner as not to injure the interests of the British firm, we can, I think, only do so by obtaining the co-operation of the United States Government and jointly urging on the Chinese Government the desirability of admitting the Japanese in accordance with your suggestion. Such concerted action would have, at any rate, a chance of success, for the Chinese are inclined to pay attention to advice received from the Americans, who are not considered to be moved by political considerations to the same extent as ourselves in this connection.\n\nAs regards Paulings' request for support in obtaining the final Imperial edict, I learn that the representatives of the British firm and of the American group are now awaiting a reply from the Chinese to their request for a definite decision which was sent in four days ago.\n\nI have been told by the Russian Minister that his Government will expect to be consulted about the railway. I presume that their claim to a voice in the matter is based on the 1899 agreement. The visit of the Russian Minister of Finance to Harbin has, I think, aroused Chinese fears with regard to a possible Russo-Japanese entente on Manchurian affairs. I am assured, however, by my Japanese colleague that these apprehensions are groundless.\n\n[2486 g-1]\n\nPage 32", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-371 - Public Offices - 1910.txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 428111, "series_id": 27, "series_slug": "histsyn-co129-engine", "series_title": "CO129 Colonial Office Hong Kong Records 理藩院香港檔案", "series_use_hku_proxy": false, "document_key": "CO129-371 - Public Offices - 1910", "page_number": 36, "title": "CO129-371 - Public Offices - 1910", "content_text": "[This Document is the Property of His Britannic Majesty's Government.]\n\n[B]\n\nCHINA RAILWAYS,\n\nCONFIDENTIAL.\n\nDecember 17.]\n\nSECTION 1.\n\n[45781]\n\nNo. 1.\n\nMemorandum communicated by Mr. Whitelaw Reid, December 17, 1909.\n\n- REFERRING to Sir Edward Grey's note dated the 25th November, 1909, the Government of the United States is gratified to learn that its proposals relating to the commercial neutralisation of the Manchurian railways meet with the approval in principle of the Government of Great Britain.\n\nThe United States Government has up to the present time been in full accord with the opinion expressed by His Britannic Majesty's Government that it would be inexpedient to broach the subject of another railway loan for China pending the conclusion of the negotiations relating to the Hukuang loan. Apart from the unexpected delay in the consummation of these latter negotiations, however, the following reasons present themselves why an early consideration of this important subject seems desirable:--\n\nThe question of the proposed Chinchow-Aigun loan has been discussed in the various phases by the Japanese press for several weeks past. References to the subject, emanating from London, St. Petersburgh, and other capitals, have also recently appeared in the American press.\n\nMoreover, according to information received from Peking, conditions now existing in official circles in China are such that the publicity and uninformed discussion will tend to greatly prejudice, if it does not entirely defeat, successful culmination of the policy now agreed upon in principle between the Governments of the United States and Great Britain.\n\nIt appears to the Government of the United States, therefore, highly important that no time should be lost in placing the plan as a whole before the Governments of the other interested Powers for their consideration with a view to obtaining their support of the principle involved. The representatives of the United States at Peking, Tokyo, St. Petersburgh, Paris, and Berlin will accordingly be instructed forthwith in the above sense, and the United States Government is now prepared, as a preliminary step, to join with His Majesty's Government in urging China to consent to participation in the Chinchow-Aigun line by Japan and the other interested Powers.\n\nThe Government of the United States will welcome the co-operation of His Majesty's Government in securing favourable consideration of the project by the Powers interested.\n\nAmerican Embassy, London,\n\nDecember 16, 1909.\n\n[2538 r-1]\n\nEng\n\n**\n\n35", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-371 - Public Offices - 1910.txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 428119, "series_id": 27, "series_slug": "histsyn-co129-engine", "series_title": "CO129 Colonial Office Hong Kong Records 理藩院香港檔案", "series_use_hku_proxy": false, "document_key": "CO129-371 - Public Offices - 1910", "page_number": 44, "title": "CO129-371 - Public Offices - 1910", "content_text": "\"This Document is the Property of His Britannic Majesty's Government.\"\n\nCHINA RAILWAYS,\n\nCONFIDENTIAL,\n\n[December 30.]\n\nSECTION 1.\n\n43\n\n[47122]\n\n(No. 1375.)\n\nNo. 1,\n\nSir Edward Grey to Sir A. Nicolson.\n\n(Telegraphic.) R.\n\nForeign Office, December 30, 1909. YOUR telegrams Nos. 518 and 520 [of the 27th and the 29th December]: Chinchow-Aigun Railway.\n\nA communiqué has been received from the Russian Embassy stating that the alternative American proposals in regard to Manchurian railways have been submitted to the Russian Government, and that the United States Ambassador at St. Petersburgh has alluded, in conversation, to an \"agreement already arrived at\" between Great Britain, the United States, and China for a loan for the construction of the Chinchow-Aigun line—a matter which would directly affect Russian rights and interests—and that M. Isvolsky had expressed doubts as to whether the notes exchanged between Great Britain and Russia in 1899 with regard to railways in China did not exclude British participation.\n\nI am replying to the effect that no agreement has been arrived at between the three Governments mentioned, explaining frankly the attitude of His Majesty's Government towards the American and British enterprise engaged (see China Railways print the 26th October, section 2), and saying that as it was not a question of a railway concession, as contemplated in the notes of 1899, but one of provision of funds for railway purposes, it appears to His Majesty's Government hardly to come within the scope of that agreement. I shall also point out that we made no objection when the Russians expressed a desire to participate in the loan which is under negotiation for the Yangtsze Valley line, to which, according to Russian interpretation, the 1899 agreement would equally apply.\n\nThe above will furnish your Excellency with material for replying to M. Isvolsky, but you should make it clear to his Excellency that although I informed the United States Ambassador, when approached by him in October last, that I should be delighted to see American and British finance co-operating in railway enterprise, I explained that I had not been able to take any action yet with regard to the Aigun Railway, and, as a matter of fact, so far the British financiers have acted entirely independently of us, and without our having taken any action on their behalf.\n\nThis is still the situation, and we have not heard that concession has been actually granted. I need hardly add that I should be very pleased to see provision made for Russian and Japanese participation in the undertaking. It is Chinese unwillingness to admit the latter which has hitherto prevented us from giving any support, even when I did not know that Russia was likely to take any interest in the project.\n\n[2538 gg-1]", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-371 - Public Offices - 1910.txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 428123, "series_id": 27, "series_slug": "histsyn-co129-engine", "series_title": "CO129 Colonial Office Hong Kong Records 理藩院香港檔案", "series_use_hku_proxy": false, "document_key": "CO129-371 - Public Offices - 1910", "page_number": 48, "title": "CO129-371 - Public Offices - 1910", "content_text": "[This Document is the Property of His Britannic Majesty's Government.]\n\nCHINA RAILWAYS,\n\nCONFIDENTIAL.\n\n47\n\n[January 3.]\n\nSECTION 3.\n\n(1)\n\n(No. 2.)\n\nNo. 1.\n\nSir Edward Grey to Sir A. Nicolson.\n\n(Telegraphic.) R.\n\nForeign Office, January 3, 1910.\n\nYOUR telegrams Nos. 521 [of the 31st December, 1909] and 1 [of the 1st January: Chinchow-Aigun Railway].\n\nI am glad to learn that M. Isvolsky is not likely to complain of our action. Should his Excellency refer to the matter again you can say that we have really been passive in the matter. Paulings, a British firm acting quite independently of us and on their own initiative, first applied to China for the Fakumen Railway. This was blocked by Japanese opposition at Peking. Paulings then applied for Aigun Railway, and made their own enquiries as to Japanese attitude towards it. Japanese told them they would oppose unless they had participation. That was how matter came to us. We enquired privately at Peking as to whether Chinese would admit Japanese participation. Chinese reply was unfavourable, and we have hitherto done nothing except what is described in my telegram No. 1375 [of 30th December]. We are anxious to see obstacles to an enterprise in which British capital is interested overcome, but inference from last sentence of my telegram No. 1375 is that, as knowledge of Japanese opposition caused an attitude of reserve on our part, we should have given consideration also to Russian views had we known that she would take an interest in the matter. We are prepared to give this consideration now, when we know what M. Isvolsky's views are, and meanwhile we are taking no action. Indeed, in reply to further enquiry from United States Ambassador as to what we were prepared to do, I have already stated that it would be well for United States Government to ascertain and consider Russian views before taking further action.\n\n[2581 c-3]\n\nFeb.\n\nJar\n\nril", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-371 - Public Offices - 1910.txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 428149, "series_id": 27, "series_slug": "histsyn-co129-engine", "series_title": "CO129 Colonial Office Hong Kong Records 理藩院香港檔案", "series_use_hku_proxy": false, "document_key": "CO129-371 - Public Offices - 1910", "page_number": 74, "title": "CO129-371 - Public Offices - 1910", "content_text": "[This Document is the Property of His Britannic Majesty's Government.]\n\n2765\n\nRece Race 28 JAN 10\n\n73\n\nAFFAIRS OF CHINA.\n\nCONFIDENTIAL.\n\n[December 28:\n\nSECTION 7.\n\n[46762]\n\n(No. 459.) Sir,\n\nNo. 1.\n\nSir J. Jordan to Sir Edward Grey.-(Received December 28.)\n\nPeking, December 9, 1909.\n\nWITH reference to my despatch No. 430 of the 23rd November, I have the honour to report that the proposal mentioned therein met with objections on the part of the British and French banks in London and Paris, who wisely declined to lend money to the Manchurian Government on the strength of the provincial revenues.\n\nThe American offer of 10,000,000 taels is now believed to have been made in connection with the financing of the Chinchow-Tsitsihar Railway. The Chinese Government, however, no longer seems to view that project with favour, and Liang Tun-yên and others speak in vague terms of an international scheme of a much more comprehensive nature for the development of Manchuria.\n\nI have, &c.\n\n[2548 ee-7]\n\nJ. N. JORDAN.", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-371 - Public Offices - 1910.txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 428158, "series_id": 27, "series_slug": "histsyn-co129-engine", "series_title": "CO129 Colonial Office Hong Kong Records 理藩院香港檔案", "series_use_hku_proxy": false, "document_key": "CO129-371 - Public Offices - 1910", "page_number": 83, "title": "CO129-371 - Public Offices - 1910", "content_text": "This Document is the Preamble\n\nCHINA RAILWAYS.\n\nCONFIDENTIAL.\n\n[39502]\n\nNo. 1.\n\nC O\n\n82\n\n2765\n\nRECEIVED [October 26 - JAN 10]\n\nSECTION 3.\n\nSir J. Jordan to Sir Edward Grey.-(Received October 26.)\n\n(No. 169.) (Telegraphic.) P.\n\nRAILWAY loan negotiations.\n\nPeking, October 26, 1909.\n\nThe memorandum alluded to in your telegram No. 170 of the 20th instant is summarised in a telegram addressed to the United States chargé d'affaires by his Government, which also gives the substance of the conversation that the American Ambassador had with you and Sir Francis Campbell.\n\nI explained to Mr. Fletcher, who read to me the American Secretary of State's telegram, the reasons why we could not admit the German proposal to include the Canton-Hankow Railway in any redistribution scheme, and I also laid before him the suggested rearrangement of the engineering sections on the Hankow-Szechuan line. Mr. Fletcher, who appeared fully to appreciate our attitude, told me that he would endeavour to make the Chinese understand that the delay in the negotiations should be ascribed to the attitude of the Germans, and not to ours, as has been represented.\n\nFrom two conversations which I have had in a friendly manner with the German Minister, I gather that Count Rex would probably admit the action of the German group to have savoured somewhat of sharp practice during the first stage of the loan negotiations. Generally speaking, it seems to me that the death of Chang Chih-tung has had an adverse effect on the German position.\n\n[39503]\n\nNo. 2.\n\n(No. 170.)\n\nSir J. Jordan to Sir Edward Grey.-(Received October 26.)\n\n(Telegraphic.) P.\n\nCHINCHOW-AIGUN Railway.\n\nPlease see my telegram No. 163 of the 5th instant.\n\nPeking, October 26, 1909.\n\nI told the American chargé d'affaires to-day, on his raising the subject of the above railway, that it ought not to be difficult to arrange for Japanese participation on terms satisfactory to the British and American groups.\n\nWhile concurring in my opinion, Mr. Fletcher expressed the view that the difficulty lay in China's probable refusal to admit such participation. As far as America was concerned, he added, China must not expect the United States to bear the whole brunt of the struggle between Chinese and Japanese in Manchuria, and it is for China to decide whether she will allow the Japanese to participate, or whether, in the event of Japanese opposition, she is sufficiently anxious for the railway as to proceed to its construction on her own account.\n\n[217] cc-3]", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-371 - Public Offices - 1910.txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 428165, "series_id": 27, "series_slug": "histsyn-co129-engine", "series_title": "CO129 Colonial Office Hong Kong Records 理藩院香港檔案", "series_use_hku_proxy": false, "document_key": "CO129-371 - Public Offices - 1910", "page_number": 90, "title": "CO129-371 - Public Offices - 1910", "content_text": "[This Document is the Property of His Britannic Majesty's Government]\n\nIREC\n\nRec 28 JAN 10 [December 24]\n\n89\n\nCHINA RAILWAYS.\n\nCONFIDENTIAL.\n\nSECTION 1.\n\n[46655]\n\n(No. 513.)\n\nNo. 1.\n\nSir A. Nicolson to Sir Edward Grey.-(Received December 24.)\n\n(Telegraphic.) P.\n\nRAILWAY schemes in Manchuria.\n\nSt. Petersburgh, December 24, 1909.\n\nAt an interview which I had to-day with M. Isvolsky, his Excellency spoke to me of a memorandum which had been communicated to him officially by the American embassy here.\n\nThis memorandum was practically identical with the one which Mr. Whitelaw Reid communicated on the 9th November to His Majesty's Government. M. Isvolsky observed that the scheme was a vast one, and would have to be most carefully studied by the Russian Government. His Excellency avoided giving me any indication of how he viewed the American proposal, but said that he would be curious to hear what the Japanese Government thought of it.\n\nM. Isvolsky also mentioned the scheme for Anglo-American co-operation in the construction of the proposed railway from Chinchow to Aigun. This project he regarded in a serious light, and remarked that it would affect the obligations contracted by China towards Russia. Did I know whether the signature of the contract had taken place? I replied that I had no information on this point.\n\nI gather that Russia will certainly expect the scheme to be submitted to her before any final decision is arrived at, and I think that the point of view of the Russian Government would be that the interest of Japan in the proposed line is less than their own.\n\n[2538 aa]\n\n--1]\n\nPage 90\n\nPage 91", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-371 - Public Offices - 1910.txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 428166, "series_id": 27, "series_slug": "histsyn-co129-engine", "series_title": "CO129 Colonial Office Hong Kong Records 理藩院香港檔案", "series_use_hku_proxy": false, "document_key": "CO129-371 - Public Offices - 1910", "page_number": 91, "title": "CO129-371 - Public Offices - 1910", "content_text": "CO 90\n\n[This Document is the Property of His Britannic Majesty's Government\n\n765\n\nCHINA RAILWAYS.\n\nCONFIDENTIAL.\n\nRECD 28 JAN 10 [December 26.]\n\nSECTION 1.\n\n[46657]\n\nNo. 1.\n\n(No. 515.) (Telegraphic.)\n\nSir A. Nicolson to Sir Edward Grey ~(Received December 26.)\n\nRAILWAY schemes in Manchuria.\n\nSt. Petersburgh, December 26, 1909.\n\nI ought to have mentioned in my telegram No. 513 of the 24th December that in the memorandum communicated by the American Embassy here to M. Isvolsky all mention of the projected railway from Chinchow to Aigun was omitted. The memorandum in other respects appears to have been similar to the one which was communicated to you on the 9th November by Mr. Whitelaw Reid. It was from other sources that M. Isvolsky obtained his information as to the Aigun railway scheme.\n\n[2538]", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-371 - Public Offices - 1910.txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 428167, "series_id": 27, "series_slug": "histsyn-co129-engine", "series_title": "CO129 Colonial Office Hong Kong Records 理藩院香港檔案", "series_use_hku_proxy": false, "document_key": "CO129-371 - Public Offices - 1910", "page_number": 92, "title": "CO129-371 - Public Offices - 1910", "content_text": "[This Document is the Property of His Britannic Majesty's Government\n\nCHINA RAILWAYS.\n\n2765\n\n91\n\n(F.O.REG.28 JAN 10)\n\n[December 27.]\n\nCONFIDENTIAL.\n\n[46660]\n\nNo. 1.\n\nSECTION 1.\n\nSir A. Nicolson to Sir Edward Grey.-(Received December 27.)\n\n(No. 518.) (Telegraphic.) P.\n\nRAILWAY schemes in Manchuria.\n\nSt. Petersburgh, December 27, 1909.\n\nIn a conversation which I had yesterday with M. Isvolsky, his Excellency expressed some doubt as to whether Great Britain was not debarred from participating in the Chinchow-Aigun Railway scheme by the terms of the notes exchanged in April 1899 between Sir C. Scott and Count Muravieff. M. Isvolsky only made a passing allusion to this point, but it is possible that if he forms the opinion that any argument can be based upon it he may bring it forward.\n\n[2538 dd-1]", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-371 - Public Offices - 1910.txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 428169, "series_id": 27, "series_slug": "histsyn-co129-engine", "series_title": "CO129 Colonial Office Hong Kong Records 理藩院香港檔案", "series_use_hku_proxy": false, "document_key": "CO129-371 - Public Offices - 1910", "page_number": 94, "title": "CO129-371 - Public Offices - 1910", "content_text": "This Document is the Property of His Britannic Majesty's Government.\n\n# CHINA RAILWAYS.\n\n## CONFIDENTIAL.\n\n93\n\nment 55 Rece\n\nRre 28 JAN 10\n\n[December 28.]\n\n## SECTION 4,\n\n[45781]\n\n(No. 204.)\n\nNo. 1.\n\nSir Edward Grey to Sir J. Jordan,\n\n(Telegraphic.) P.\n\nForeign Office, December 28, 1909.\n\nUNITED STATES proposal for internationalisation of Manchurian Railways. Please see my telegram No. 46 of the 23rd December to Sir C. MacDonald and the latter's telegram No. 79 of the 25th December.\n\nOn the 9th November, when the United States Embassy first communicated the above proposal, His Majesty's Government replied that the general principle involved in the scheme seemed to them calculated to secure to China full control in Manchuria. In so far also as it tended to preserve the policy of equal commercial opportunity and of the open door in Manchuria, it certainly commended itself to their support. They were, however, of opinion that it would be undesirable to embark on the question of another international railway loan in China before the Huknang negotiations had been brought to a successful termination, and suggested that, for the moment, the object wished for would be better served if the two Governments were to make joint representations at Peking with a view to inducing the Chinese Government to allow the Japanese a share in the Chinchow-Aigun Railway. In answer to this, the United States Embassy stated on the 16th December that their Government were quite ready as a preliminary step to join in endeavouring to persuade the Chinese Government to admit the participation of Japan and other interested Powers in the Chinchow-Aigun Railway. They were, however, of opinion that the American proposals should without delay be submitted to the Governments of the other interested Powers, in order to secure their support of the principle implied in the scheme, and they would instruct their representatives in Paris, Berlin, St. Petersburgh, Tokyo, and Peking in this sense. My reply to this note has been sent to-day, and is to the effect that His Majesty's Government would attach interest to learning in what light the American scheme is viewed by the other Powers concerned, and especially by Russia and Japan. As regards Japanese participation in the Chinchow-Aigun Railway, I said that I had approached the Japanese Ambassador in London as to the extent of participation which Japanese would require, and that you had been authorised to join your American colleague in urging the Chinese Government to agree to the association of the Japanese in the scheme.\n\n[2838\n\nee-- 4]", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-371 - Public Offices - 1910.txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 428174, "series_id": 27, "series_slug": "histsyn-co129-engine", "series_title": "CO129 Colonial Office Hong Kong Records 理藩院香港檔案", "series_use_hku_proxy": false, "document_key": "CO129-371 - Public Offices - 1910", "page_number": 99, "title": "CO129-371 - Public Offices - 1910", "content_text": "[This Document is the Property of His Britannic Majesty's Government.]\n\n# CHINA RAILWAYS.\n\n## CONFIDENTIAL.\n\nRecd 28 JAN 10 [December 29.]\n\n## SECTION 2.\n\n[47122]\n\n### No. 1.\n\nSir A. Nicolson to Sir Edward Grey.~(Received December 29.)\n\n(No. 520.) (Telegraphic.) P.\n\nSt. Petersburgh, December 29, 1909.\n\nIN conversation to-day M. Isvolsky again mentioned the Chinchow-Aigun railway scheme. His Excellency wishes to know whether the project has been or will be supported diplomatically by His Majesty's Government and whether the concession has been granted by the Chinese Government. M. Isvolsky referred once more to the exchange of notes in 1899, and mentioned also that Russia had received assurances from China that any concessions granted in the regions to be traversed by the railway should first be offered to Russia. The line now proposed would be of strategical importance, and he hinted that it might be necessary for Russia to remind the Chinese Government seriously of their promises.\n\nI understand that, in conversation with the United States Ambassador on this subject, M. Isvolsky spoke in warm tones, but said at the same time that his remarks were not official and were only of a general character. He gave me to understand that in his opinion the action of the United States Government in the matter of the railway and the attitude which they were adopting with regard to the Harbin question could scarcely be considered friendly. I pointed out that the participation of Russia in the Aigun railway scheme might be arranged, and expressed my conviction that no unfriendly feelings towards Russia were entertained by the United States Government. To this M. Isvolsky replied that he was at a loss to understand why Russia, to whom the matter was of so much importance, had not been consulted, and why the scheme had apparently become an accomplished fact before she knew of its existence.\n\n[2538 -2]", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-371 - Public Offices - 1910.txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 428187, "series_id": 27, "series_slug": "histsyn-co129-engine", "series_title": "CO129 Colonial Office Hong Kong Records 理藩院香港檔案", "series_use_hku_proxy": false, "document_key": "CO129-371 - Public Offices - 1910", "page_number": 112, "title": "CO129-371 - Public Offices - 1910", "content_text": "described as \"luti shui\" on goods forwarded by rail to Nanking, and though it is true the amount illegally levied in the instance in question, together with a sum levied on a subsequent consignment of goods sent by rail to Nanking under exemption certificate, was refunded to the company, this act of reparation was entirely due to the energetic representations of His Majesty's Consul-General at Shanghae. One of the reasons given by His Majesty's Consul at Newchwang for the marked decline in the prosperity of that once important port is the heavy hi-kin charges to which cargo conveyed by the Chinese railway is subjected at Koupang-tse; these charges, he states, are killing the trade on the Newchwang line to the benefit of the South Manchurian Railway; and he points out how important it is to the future of Newchwang that her trade should be free from any form of fiscal oppression, which the trade by her rival routes is able to escape.\n\nHis Majesty's Government regard the fulfilment by China of the engagements given by her to this country in the commercial treaty of 1902 as an express condition precedent to the assent of His Majesty's Government to an increase of customs dues. If China desires to explain and discuss the steps she proposes to take to carry out these engagements, they will, however, be happy to join in such a discussion with the view of facilitating an agreement about the increase of customs dues, though I am of opinion that satisfactory guarantees for the fulfilment of these engagements should first be secured.\n\nThere would possibly be no objection to an increased tariff coming into operation at a fixed period, viz., six months, after the Powers were satisfied with the steps taken to carry out the engagements above described, but it must not be forgotten in this connection that increased duties can only be levied if and when all the treaty Powers give their assent to such increase; and I have no information to show that either France, Germany, or Russia are willing to come to an agreement with China on this point. If, however, you are in possession of more recent information tending to show that these Powers are no longer averse from an increase of the duties, I should be glad if you would let me know.\n\nI have the honour to request you to bring the above considerations to the notice of your Government,\n\nI have, &c.\n\nE. GREY.\n\n[This Document is the Property of His Britannic Majesty's Government.]\n\nRece Rrof 28 JAN 10\n\n[B]\n\nCHINA RAILWAYS.\n\nCONFIDENTIAL.\n\n[45781]\n\nYour Excellency,\n\nNo. 1.\n\nSir Edward Grey to Mr. Whitelaw Reid.\n\n[December 29.]\n\nSECTION 3.\n\nForeign Office, December 29, 1909.\n\nI HAVE the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your Excellency's note of the 17th instant, stating that, in the opinion of the United States Government, no time should be lost in placing their proposals relating to the commercial neutralisation of the Manchurian railways before the Governments of the other interested Powers with a view to obtaining their support to the principle involved.\n\nYour Excellency goes on to say that the United States representatives at Peking, Tokyo, St. Petersburgh, Paris, and Berlin would be instructed forthwith in this sense, and that the United States Government are now prepared, as a preliminary step, to join with His Majesty's Government in urging China to consent to participation in the Chinchow-Aigun Railway by Japan and the other Powers interested.\n\nI have the honour to inform your Excellency in reply that His Majesty's Government would be glad to learn what views the Governments of the other Powers concerned, and more especially Russia and Japan, take in regard to the above proposals.\n\nInstructions have been given to His Majesty's Minister at Peking authorising him to join with his United States colleague in endeavouring to persuade the Chinese Government to agree to Japanese participation in the Chinchow-Aigun Railway; and I have the honour to add, for your Excellency's information, that I have already approached the Japanese Ambassador in London with a view to ascertaining what measure of participation would satisfy the Japanese Government in regard to this undertaking.\n\nI have, &c.\n\nE. GREY.\n\n[2538 -3]", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-371 - Public Offices - 1910.txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 428188, "series_id": 27, "series_slug": "histsyn-co129-engine", "series_title": "CO129 Colonial Office Hong Kong Records 理藩院香港檔案", "series_use_hku_proxy": false, "document_key": "CO129-371 - Public Offices - 1910", "page_number": 113, "title": "CO129-371 - Public Offices - 1910", "content_text": "[This Document is the Property of His Britannic Majesty's Government]\n\n112\n\n2765\n\nCHINA RAILWAYS.\n\nCONFIDENTIAL.\n\n[Janu\n\n28 JAN 10, SECTION 1.\n\n[122]\n\n(No. 3.)\n\nNo. 1.\n\nSir Edward Grey to Sir J. Jordan.\n\n(Telegraphic.) R.\n\nCHINCHOW-AIGUN [Railway].\n\nMy telegram No. 204 [of 28th December, 1909].\n\nForeign Office, January 5, 1910.\n\nM. Isvolsky has enquired whether His Majesty's Government would give or had given support to project, and whether Chinese Government had granted concession. He expressed doubts whether notes exchanged between Sir C. Scott and Count Mouravieff in April 1899 (\"Treaty Series, No. 11, 1899\") did not exclude Great Britain from participation, and said that China had given assurances to Russia that latter should have first offer of concessions in regions affected. He hinted that Russia might have to remind China seriously of her promises, as line would be of strategic importance. He also intimated that he considered action of United States Government as regards railway and their attitude as to Harbin as hardly friendly.\n\nA note has also been received from the Russian Embassy in which allusion is made to an agreement already arrived at \"between Great Britain, the United States, and China in regard to the Chinchow-Aigun line.\"\n\nI have replied to effect that no agreement has been arrived at between the three Governments mentioned, and have explained frankly the attitude of His Majesty's Government towards the American and British enterprise engaged (see \"China Railways\" print, October 26, section 2), saying that as it was not a question of a railway concession as contemplated in the notes of 1899, but one of provision of funds for railway purposes, it appeared to His Majesty's Government hardly to come within scope of that agreement. I have also pointed out that we made no objection when the Russians expressed a desire to participate in the loan which is under negotiation for the Yang-tsze Valley line, to which, according to Russian interpretation, the 1899 agreement would equally apply.\n\nI added that the British financiers had acted entirely independently of us, and without our having so far taken any action on their behalf, and that I should be very pleased to see provision made for Russian and Japanese participation.\n\nSir A. Nicolson explained the foregoing to M. Isvolsky on 1st January, and does not think that the latter will raise any further question as to 1899 engagements.\n\nM. Isvolsky much doubted whether Japan would be inclined to participate, and could give no indication as to Russian attitude until he had studied matter carefully.\n\nRepeat to Tokyo.\n\n[2581 e-1]\n\n1\n\nPage 113\n\n2765\n\n...\n\nPage 113\n\n...", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-371 - Public Offices - 1910.txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 428189, "series_id": 27, "series_slug": "histsyn-co129-engine", "series_title": "CO129 Colonial Office Hong Kong Records 理藩院香港檔案", "series_use_hku_proxy": false, "document_key": "CO129-371 - Public Offices - 1910", "page_number": 114, "title": "CO129-371 - Public Offices - 1910", "content_text": "113\n\n[This Document is the Property of His Britannic Majesty's Government]\n\nCHINA RAILWAYS.\n\nCONFIDENTIAL.\n\n[January 11.]\n\nSECTION 1,\n\nRec'd 28 JAN 10\n\n[873]\n\n(No. 6.)\n\n(Telegraphic.) R.\n\nNo. 1.\n\nSir Edward Grey to Sir J. Jordan.\n\nForeign Office, January 11, 1910.\n\nYOUR telegram No. 6 [of 8th January: Chinchow-Aigun line].\n\nI approve line taken by you at interview at Wai-wu Pu, and the view expressed in final paragraph of your telegram.\n\nNo further steps should be taken in the matter until we learn attitude of Russian Government.\n\nRepeat Tokyo.\n\n[2581 -1]", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-371 - Public Offices - 1910.txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 428243, "series_id": 27, "series_slug": "histsyn-co129-engine", "series_title": "CO129 Colonial Office Hong Kong Records 理藩院香港檔案", "series_use_hku_proxy": false, "document_key": "CO129-371 - Public Offices - 1910", "page_number": 168, "title": "CO129-371 - Public Offices - 1910", "content_text": "166\n\n2\n\nbetween the two countries; that if mutual concessions could be made, though negotiations had now been stopped, there would be ample opportunity in the future to appoint officers to continue the discussion; and that there was no necessity to submit the case to The Hague tribunal for arbitration.\n\nIt is evident from this that although there is a temporary suspense of negotiations the main object of both China and Portugal is still to arrange the matter by amicable discussion. The reference in your Excellency's note under acknowledgment to aggressive action is therefore in no way consonant with the facts, and the enclosed treaty has no relation whatever with the question.\n\nIn making the above communication to your Excellency I have the honour to request that you will be so good as to inform the Secretary of State, so that careful investigation may be made and misunderstanding avoided.\n\nI avail, &c.\n\n[This Document is the Property of His Britannic Majesty's Government.]\n\nCHINA RAILWAYS.\n\nCONFIDENTIAL.\n\n(1/1910)\n\nNo. 1.\n\n3302\n\nREC?\n\nRro 3 FEB 10\n\n[December 31.]\n\nSECTION 1.\n\nSir A. Nicolson to Sir Edward Grey.--(Received December 31.)\n\n(No. 521.) (Telegraphic.) P.\n\nSt. Petersburgh, December 31, 1909. PROPOSED railway from Chinchow to Aiguu. Your telegram No. 1375 of the 30th December.\n\nI will explain to M. Isvolsky, whom I hope to see to-morrow, the present situation with regard to this project. There may be difficulty with regard to the exchange of notes in 1899, but even if this question can be cleared off the ground, I shall still have to explain to M. Isvolsky's satisfaction why a project which he regards as of great importance to Russia was only revealed to her at so late a stage. Moreover, the fact that we are urging China to allow Japan to participate in the scheme will, I much fear, only serve to increase rather than to modify M. Isvolsky's opposition, and the dislike which he entertains for the whole project. The public here has barely recovered from the scare about the aggressive preparations of Japan, and although that scare was unfounded, its revival in an intensified form would not be at all impossible if it were known that active steps were being taken by Great Britain and the United States to advocate the participation of Japan in a railway which might prove to be of importance strategically, and might therefore be held to constitute a menace to the frontiers of the Empire.\n\nIn my conversations with M. Isvolsky, I have so far not made any allusions to Japanese participation in the line, and M. Isvolsky's attitude has been that before taking up his position, as he himself expresses it, he awaits information on the two points mentioned in my telegram No. 520. I do not know what that position will be, but that it will be friendly to the project is scarcely likely.\n\nI consider it my duty to submit these considerations, as it is possible that, in the event of my fears proving well-founded as to the impression which may be produced on the Russian Government and on the Russian public, a reaction may ensue by which our entente generally will be unfavourably affected.\n\n[2538 hh-1]", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-371 - Public Offices - 1910.txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 428244, "series_id": 27, "series_slug": "histsyn-co129-engine", "series_title": "CO129 Colonial Office Hong Kong Records 理藩院香港檔案", "series_use_hku_proxy": false, "document_key": "CO129-371 - Public Offices - 1910", "page_number": 169, "title": "CO129-371 - Public Offices - 1910", "content_text": "(This Document is the Property of His Britannic Majesty's Government.)\n\n167\n\nCO\n\nCHINA RAILWAYS.\n\nCONFIDENTIAL.\n\n[122]\n\nNo. 1.\n\n3502\n\n[January]? 23 FEB 10,\n\nSECTION 1.\n\nSir A. Nicolson to Sir Edward Grey-(Received January 1.)\n\n(No. 1.) (Telegraphic.) P.\n\nSt. Petersburgh, January 1, 1910. PROJECTED railway from Chinchow to Aigun. Your telegram No.1375 of the 30th December.\n\nIn a conversation which I had to-day with M. Isvolsky, I gave his Excellency an account of the present position with regard to the railway. I do not think that M. Isvolsky, who spoke to me quite cheerfully, will raise the question of the 1899 engagements again. He showed considerable doubt as to whether there would be any inclination on the part of Japan to participate in the proposed line. He said that at present he could give me no indication as to what Russia would do, as there were several points of view from which the question must first be carefully studied.\n\nI was afraid, from what the American Ambassador had told me, that M. Isvolsky might adopt the attitude indicated in my telegram No.521 of yesterday and raise serious objections and make difficulties, so that I was glad to find him in so amiable a frame of mind.\n\n[2881 a-1]", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-371 - Public Offices - 1910.txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 428247, "series_id": 27, "series_slug": "histsyn-co129-engine", "series_title": "CO129 Colonial Office Hong Kong Records 理藩院香港檔案", "series_use_hku_proxy": false, "document_key": "CO129-371 - Public Offices - 1910", "page_number": 172, "title": "CO129-371 - Public Offices - 1910", "content_text": "This Document is the Property of His Britannic Majesty's\n\nPAKETLESTE STATEM:\n\nсо\n\n5502\n\n170\n\nRECR Rre 3 FEB 10,\n\nCHINA RAILWAYS.\n\nCONFIDENTIAL.\n\n[January 13.]\n\nSECTION 3.\n\n[1596]\n\n(No. 22.)\n\nNo. I.\n\nSir Edward Grey to Sir A. Nicolson.\n\n(Telegraphic.) P.\n\nForeign Office, January 13, 1910.\n\nPLEASE refer to your conversation with M. Isvolsky on the Chinchow-Aigun Railway, as reported in your telegram No. 15 of the 14th instant. The account of the circumstances as given in my telegram No. 2 of the 3rd January will, I trust, convince his Excellency that, considering the manner in which the question developed, the omission to consult the Russian Government at an earlier date was a natural, though regrettable, one. You might put it clearly to M. Isvolsky that this omission is solely due to the fact that a British firm, acting quite independently of us and in conjunction with the American financial group, began by applying for the Fakumen line, a railway which would affect Japanese interests alone. The opposition which the Japanese showed to this rendered the scheme abortive, and it was not till after its failure that the English firms, co-operating with the same American group, extended their application to the line now under discussion.\n\n[2581 n-3]", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-371 - Public Offices - 1910.txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 428248, "series_id": 27, "series_slug": "histsyn-co129-engine", "series_title": "CO129 Colonial Office Hong Kong Records 理藩院香港檔案", "series_use_hku_proxy": false, "document_key": "CO129-371 - Public Offices - 1910", "page_number": 173, "title": "CO129-371 - Public Offices - 1910", "content_text": "CHINA RAILWAYS.\n\nCONFIDENTIAL.\n\nRice\n\nO' 171 3502\n\nRre 3 FEB 10\n\n[January 14.]\n\nSECTION 1.\n\n[1567]\n\n(No. 8.)\n\nNo. 1.\n\nSir Edward Grey to Sir J. Jordan.\n\n(Telegraphic.) P.\n\nCHINCHOW-AIGUN Railway.\n\nForeign Office, January 14, 1910.\n\nI approve your action in not joining with United States chargé d'affaires in his representations to Chinese Government, as reported in your telegram No. 9 of to-day's date. Until the Russians have given us their views on the project, it will be better to assume a non-committal attitude.\n\n[2581 -1]", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-371 - Public Offices - 1910.txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 428252, "series_id": 27, "series_slug": "histsyn-co129-engine", "series_title": "CO129 Colonial Office Hong Kong Records 理藩院香港檔案", "series_use_hku_proxy": false, "document_key": "CO129-371 - Public Offices - 1910", "page_number": 177, "title": "CO129-371 - Public Offices - 1910", "content_text": "This Document is the Property of His Britannic Majesty's Government.\n\nRECE 175 3502 Race 3 FEB 10 CHINA RAILWAYS. CONFIDENTIAL.\n\n[2070] No. 1. [January 18.] 4 SECTION 2.\n\nSir Edward Grey to Sir A. Nicolson.\n\n(No. 27.) (Telegraphic.) P. Foreign Office, January 18, 1910.\n\nUNITED STATES proposal for neutralisation of Manchurian railways. The draft reply of the Russian Government to Mr. Knox's proposal was communicated to us yesterday by M. Sevastopoulo. At the same time he informed us in strict confidence that the Russian Government had come to this decision in communication with Japan. The sense of the answer is as follows:-\n\n\"Russian Government are of opinion that the sovereignty of China and the principle of the open door are in no wise threatened by the present situation in Manchuria, and they decline to entertain the projected neutralisation of Manchurian railways.\n\nThey lay stress on the prejudice which would result from the execution of this scheme to the Chinese Eastern Railway Company and the numerous private interests connected with it, and also on the strategical importance of question, as that line forms a link of communication with Russian possessions in the Far East.\n\n\"As regards the question of Russian participation in the proposed Chinchow--Aigun Railway, the Imperial Government would wish to learn in the first place the basis on which that undertaking rests, for they are so far uninformed on this point.\"\n\n[2581-2]", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-371 - Public Offices - 1910.txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 428269, "series_id": 27, "series_slug": "histsyn-co129-engine", "series_title": "CO129 Colonial Office Hong Kong Records 理藩院香港檔案", "series_use_hku_proxy": false, "document_key": "CO129-371 - Public Offices - 1910", "page_number": 194, "title": "CO129-371 - Public Offices - 1910", "content_text": "[This Document is the Property of His Britannic Majesty's Government]\n\n4196\n\n192\n\n2\n\nYour request of Messrs. T. Macgregor, a British firm, to lease land at Harbin. Excellency will not fail to notice that the Railway Company challenge the right of British subjects to be judged in their persons and property by courts of their own nationality—a right which foreigners of all nationalities have always jealously asserted in China; and in so doing are assuming rights which are not even claimed by the British Government in British concessions at the treaty ports in China, where the principle of extraterritoriality is always carefully upheld. Sir J. Jordan also points out that it is not a fact, as seems to be implied in the aide-mémoire issued by the Russian Government, that foreigners are obliged to submit to \"règlements et taxes existants\" in China, and adds that, on the contrary, China can impose no municipal taxation of any kind upon foreigners without the consent of their Government.\n\nI am, &c.\n\nE. GREY.\n\nCHINA RAILWAYS.\n\nCONFIDENTIAL.\n\n[43854]\n\nNo. 1.\n\nREG II FEB 10'\n\n[November 30.]\n\nSECTION 4.\n\nSir J. Jordan to Sir Edward Grey.—(Received November 30.)\n\n(No. 189.) (Telegraphic.) P.\n\nCHINCHOW-AIGUN Railway.\n\nPeking, November 30, 1909.\n\nI have received your telegram No. 191 of yesterday's date.\n\nI am told by Paulings' representative that Na-t'ung has recently memorialised the Throne suggesting a branch line from Taonaufu to Kuanch'engtzu, to connect the railway in question with the South Manchurian line. Lord ffrench considers that this concession is being proposed in order to obtain the good-will of the Japanese.\n\nThe negotiations are not being pressed at the moment, the Americans maintaining a passive attitude, and the Chinese showing no desire to bring the matter to a conclusion.\n\n[2486 gg-4]", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-371 - Public Offices - 1910.txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 428273, "series_id": 27, "series_slug": "histsyn-co129-engine", "series_title": "CO129 Colonial Office Hong Kong Records 理藩院香港檔案", "series_use_hku_proxy": false, "document_key": "CO129-371 - Public Offices - 1910", "page_number": 198, "title": "CO129-371 - Public Offices - 1910", "content_text": "2 \n\nmences to operate in Manchuria the question of the maintenance of peace in that region will become an international one. That would mean that in the Far East, which \n\npeace is so necessary for us, would be guaranteed.\" \n\nThe \"Svet\" (of the extreme Right), considers that the American proposal is unacceptable, and says that Russia could not participate in an undertaking which would cause serious injury to her interests, and could not admit that an enterprise which had cost her so many sacrifices should pass into the hands of financiers, who only think of their own pockets. \n\nThe \"Golos Pravdy,\" the Octobrist organ, is strongly against the proposal, which it regards as the expulsion of Russia from Manchuria, and the destruction of her position and of her prestige in the Far East. It asks what has occurred that Russia, and especially her far eastern frontier, should be treated in the manner of the American memorandum? \"In this historic note there is such a disregard of our interests in the Pacific Ocean, that we shall have to ponder deeply over our international position.\" I may add that M. Sazonow observed to me that the Finance Minister estimated the value of the Eastern Chinese Railway and the Russian interests which would be affected at 50,000,000l. As to the Chen-chow-Aigun line, M. Sazonow said that as far as Tsitsihar the projected line would be of more importance to Japan, but beyond that point it would be a matter of serious concern to Russia. \n\nI have, &c. \n\nA. NICOLSON. \n\n[This Document is the Property of His Britannic Majesty's Government.] \n\n# CHINA RAILWAYS \n\n## CONFIDENTIAL \n\n[1987] \n\n[January 18,] Tops \n\nCO \n\n196 \n\n4196 \n\nSECTOR 11 FEB 10 \n\nNo. 1. \n\nSir A. Nicolson to Sir Edward Grey.—(Received January 18.) (No. 30.) Sir. \n\nSt. Petersburgh, January 15, 1910. THE \"Novoe Vremya,\" in an article on the proposed neutralisation of Manchuria which it publishes to-day, says that the communiqué of the telegraphic agency was so loosely worded that it has given rise to various false ideas. From the communiqué it might be supposed that the American Secretary of State, before dispatching his memorandum to the Powers, had already succeeded in securing a promise from the London Cabinet to support the American Government in their plans for the \"trade neutralisation\" of Northern Manchuria. As a matter of fact this was not the case, and could not be the case. On the 30th December, 1909 (the 12th January, 1910), there appeared in the columns of the \"Novoe Vremya\" the text of the Anglo-Russian Agreement of April 1899, by which Great Britain bound herself not to seek, on her own account or in the interests of British subjects or others, any railway concessions whatever to the north of the Great Wall of China. This agreement has not lost any of its force to-day, so that there can be no question of the London Cabinet giving any kind of promise in support of American proposals to acquire railway concessions of any kind in Northern Manchuria. \n\n\"Novoe Vremya\" states that it learns from unimpeachable sources that the British Government has never even thought of lending its authority to Mr. Knox's plans. England, in common with every other civilised Power, has no objection in principle to any proposal which aims ostensibly at removing causes of international friction. In the present instance, however, the London Cabinet has imposed as a condition of its participation in the Manchurian neutralisation scheme that the Powers most interested in the matter, i.e., Russia and Japan, should come to a preliminary agreement on the subject. In his aide-mémoire Mr. Knox apparently made no mention of this condition on the part of the British Government, the result of which has been that a conditional acceptance was converted into complete agreement. It stands to reason that serious statesmen proposing to the Powers an international plan of such vast importance cannot act in such a manner. It was possible, of course, that Mr. Knox did not regard his own proposal with seriousness. In that case it is regrettable that the Chief Adviser of the President of the United States did not postpone his jest to the 1st April, when, according to American ideas of political humour, it might perhaps have been justified. \n\n-- The \n\nThe \"Novoe Vremya\" goes on to say that in a previous article, devoted to a discussion of the American proposal, it explained that the motive of the American Government was to create new markets for American industry, but that the diplomatic methods now disclosed compel it to modify this explanation. A person of average or even less intelligence would understand that, sooner or later, Great Britain's true attitude to the plan for intervention in Russo-Japanese-Chinese affairs will be disclosed, and that then there will be only one of two possible conclusions: either that Mr. Knox is incapable of understanding the simplest diplomatic documents, or that he purposely Whichever of these resorts to perversion of their sense for some ulterior motive. conclusions prove the true one, either of them would prevent negotiations being begun between Mr. Knox and the diplomatists of Europe and Asia. In these circumstances it would be futile to consider an American proposal based, not on the well-known common-sense of America, but on--rather naïve diplomatic humour--a New Year's joke of rather bad taste. In a \n\nprevious article the \"Novoe Vremya\" pointed out the acceptability in principle of the alternative proposal of Mr. Knox respecting the construction by an international syndicate of a line from Chinchow to Aigun. The \"Novoe Vremya\" in their present article disclaims any change of principle, but says that it can only give practical consideration to the American proposal when on the American side there is a serious statesman and not a diplomatist of the school of Mr. Knox, who considers it permissible, in the most important international questions, to have recourse to playful omission of the most essential portions of diplomatic correspondence. The question of the construction in Manchuria of new railways \n\n[2581 s--3]", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-371 - Public Offices - 1910.txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 428274, "series_id": 27, "series_slug": "histsyn-co129-engine", "series_title": "CO129 Colonial Office Hong Kong Records 理藩院香港檔案", "series_use_hku_proxy": false, "document_key": "CO129-371 - Public Offices - 1910", "page_number": 199, "title": "CO129-371 - Public Offices - 1910", "content_text": "This Document is the Property of His Britannic Majesty's Government\n\n197 4196\n\n2\n\ncalculated to compete with the existing Eastern Chinese railways can only be raised when Russia and Japan have signified their consent. There is no secret about Russian and Japanese rights in this matter: these rights are defined by international treaties which were duly communicated to the Government of the United States. To enter into diplomatic intrigues with Germany and China without previously consulting Russia and Japan only shows a lack of diplomatic education which can scarcely be regarded as an ornament in one who occupies the responsible position of Secretary of State to the great American Republic. From information which has reached the press it would seem that the Russian Minister for Foreign Affairs is seriously considering Mr. Knox's frivolous proposal. If M. Isvolsky has plenty of time on his hands he may of course employ it, among other things, in studying the scheme for the trade neutralisation of Manchuria, invented by American politicians in their leisure hours, but it would be much more useful if he would employ it on more productive work, in considering, for instance, the great question of how to achieve the harmonious working of the northern and southern portions of the Eastern Chinese Railway. The Japanese Commission which visited St. Petersburgh last summer for the special purpose of establishing an agreement on this question returned to Tokyo without having apparently achieved any result. The preparation of a plan of traffic and a formula of tariffs acceptable to both Russia and Japan would be incomparably more useful than wasting time on the consideration of Mr. Knox's handiwork, which is not necessary to anyone except American politicians, and is harmful to all in the Far East. The decision of this question, so important for the external relations of Russia with her neighbours, will, perhaps, prove in the long run to depend, not on the Ministry for Foreign Affairs, but on other departments which have their own foreign policy.\n\nI have, &c.\n\nA. NICOLSON.\n\nCHINA RAILWAYS.\n\nCONFIDENTIAL.\n\n[2389]\n\nNo. 1.\n\n[January\n\nREAL FEB 10 SECTION 1.\n\nMr. C. S. Addis to Foreign Office. —(Received January 21.)\n\nHong Kong and Shanghai Banking Corporation, Dear Mr. Greg,\n\n31, Lombard Street, London, January 21, 1910. REFERRING to our conversation by telephone last night, I should like to make clear the nature of the claim to participation of the British and Chinese Corporation (Limited), in the proposed Chinchow-Tsi-tsi-har Railway. It is based on the Fukumen loan contract, signed by Bland and Tang Shao-Yi on the 23rd November, 1907. That contract was suspended, but never abandoned, in deference to the Foreign Office view that the Japanese objection to the construction of a railway which would eventually find its terminus at Tsi-tsi-har was valid. If that objection is now removed, as shown by the British Minister's support, subject to Japanese participation, of the Chinchow-Tsi-tsi-har Railway, then the British and Chinese Corporation (Limited) feel that they have a right to claim his support in pressing the Chinese Government either for the fulfilment of the original Fakumen contract or for participation in the Chinchow-Tsi-tsi-har loan by way of compensation.\n\nI enclose a copy of the Fakumen loan contract for your file, and also a copy of Paulings' construction contract. You will observe that they are distinct and separate documents, and that the prosecution of the British and Chinese Corporation's claim does not in any way conflict with Paulings' rights, which are confined to the construction of the line, but have nothing to do with its finance.\n\nYours truly,\n\nC. S. ADDIS.\n\nGentlemen,\n\nEnclosure 1 in No. 1.\n\nMr. Bland to the British and Chinese Corporation, London.\n\nPeking, November 23, 1907. I HAVE the honour to enclose copy of the contract, as agreed to on the 20th instant between his Excellency Tang Shao-Yi and myself, for the loan of a sum of 500,000l. for the Northern Railways extension to Fakumen. Owing to the possibility of diplomatic complications, the matter was necessarily hurried, and my stay in Mukden was curtailed to two days because of the urgency of business in connection with the Hangchow negotiations, but I trust that the results will not be considered unsatisfactory by your board. If this loan and the construction by Messrs. Pauling and Co. go through satisfactorily, the business should afford a most useful precedent and lead to the completion of the line to Tsi-tsi-har in the first instance, and the conclusion of similar agreements for other railways.\n\nI have to-day telegraphed to you, in connection with the above, as follows:- \"With reference to my telegram of the 12th and yours of the 15th instant, we have signed an agreement with Tang Shao-Yi subject to Imperial edict, which we expect, in the absence of political complications, in three weeks. Agreement going forward via Russia to-day. Security for loan to be Imperial edict, revenue of this extension and salt revenues Fengtien 380,000 taels. Loan to be issued at option Chinese Government in twelve months, British and Chinese Corporation retaining 5 points, advancing 50,000l. (at) 6 per cent. Loan to be redeemable in thirty years, commencing eleventh year, the usual premium. The extension to be part of Northern Railways, administration, operation the same way, After construction the same engineer-in-chief. With a view to preventing interference others it is important keep this strictly confidential pending issue Imperial edict.”\n\n[2581]\n\nI have, &c.\n\nJ. O. P. BLAND,\n\nRepresentative in China.", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-371 - Public Offices - 1910.txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 428279, "series_id": 27, "series_slug": "histsyn-co129-engine", "series_title": "CO129 Colonial Office Hong Kong Records 理藩院香港檔案", "series_use_hku_proxy": false, "document_key": "CO129-371 - Public Offices - 1910", "page_number": 204, "title": "CO129-371 - Public Offices - 1910", "content_text": "[This Document is the Property of His Britannic Majesty's Government.]\n\nCHINA RAILWAYS.\n\nCONFIDENTIAL.\n\n202\n\nCO 1296\n\n[January 24.]\n\nFeb. 10 SECTION 2.\n\n(2523)\n\nNo. 1.\n\n(No. 14.)\n\n(Telegraphic.)\n\nSir Edward Grey to Sir J. Jordan,\n\nCITINCHOW-AIGUN Railway.\n\nForeign Office, January 24, 1910.\n\nPlease see your telegram No. 3 of the 23rd January. The British and Chinese Corporation are claiming the right to finance the Chinchow line under the loan contract for the Fakumen line as signed by Bland and Tang in November 1907. They base their claim on the argument that in 1907-8 they were co-operating with Paulings in their endeavours to obtain the contract for the Fakumen line, and that now that Chinchow line has been substituted for the Fakumen contract their claim applies equally to the former, since their withdrawal from the Fakumen contract was simply in deference to the wishes of His Majesty's Government in view of Japanese opposition.\n\nIn any case, we left no doubt as to the fact that our support could only be relied on if the Japanese acquiesced, and that in this event we could not support any one firm in preference to any other of equal standing. Moreover, we are not willing wholly to admit the contention that the Chinchow contract is to be regarded as compensation for the Fakumen line.\n\nA possible argument might be that, as the Imperial edict has been obtained independently of this Office, the question of the British and Chinese Corporation's participation is one for settlement between them and Paulings, but before giving any such reply we would wish to have your opinion on the question.\n\n-2-\n\n[2581 aa-2]", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-371 - Public Offices - 1910.txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 428282, "series_id": 27, "series_slug": "histsyn-co129-engine", "series_title": "CO129 Colonial Office Hong Kong Records 理藩院香港檔案", "series_use_hku_proxy": false, "document_key": "CO129-371 - Public Offices - 1910", "page_number": 207, "title": "CO129-371 - Public Offices - 1910", "content_text": "C\n\n205\n\n2\n\nfinancial point of view, the project gives no lasting guarantees that under the new plan fully satisfactory results will be obtained, as the proposed scheme is of the nature of an experiment on a large scale, and one which has not as yet been tested anywhere in practice.\n\n\"Referring to the second alternative of the American proposal, concerning the participation of Russian capital in the projected Chinchow-Aigun line, and other future railway enterprises of an international syndicate in Manchuria, the Russian Government recognise the serious significance of the line mentioned for Russian interests in a political and strategical sense, as opening from the south a way, not only towards the Chinese Eastern Railway, but also towards Russian possessions at Aigun. The Russian Government agree in principle to consider the proposal as soon as they are acquainted with the immediate principles which the enterprise has in view. Similarly we reserve to ourselves the right to determine our attitude towards future enterprises of a similar nature in accordance with the significance which each of such enterprises may have from the point of view of Russian interests.\n\n\"\"\n\nPage 196\n\nCHINA RAILWAYS.\n\nCONFIDENTIAL.\n\n[3026]\n\nNo. 1.\n\nSir Edward Grey to Sir J. Jordan.\n\nRECEIVED 11 FEB 1910\n\n[January 27.]\n\nSECTION 1.\n\n(No. 16.) (Telegraphic.) P.\n\nForeign Office, January 27, 1910. I CONCUR in the terms of your reply to Hillier as reported in your telegram No. 15 of today's date. I agree that for the present we should assume a strictly non-committal attitude, especially in view of the course taken by Russia and Japan.\n\n[2581 dd-1]", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-371 - Public Offices - 1910.txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 428322, "series_id": 27, "series_slug": "histsyn-co129-engine", "series_title": "CO129 Colonial Office Hong Kong Records 理藩院香港檔案", "series_use_hku_proxy": false, "document_key": "CO129-371 - Public Offices - 1910", "page_number": 247, "title": "CO129-371 - Public Offices - 1910", "content_text": "1\n\n245\n\n[This Document is the Property of His Britannic Majesty's Government]\n\nCHINA RAILWAYS.\n\nCONFIDENTIAL.\n\nReceived 18 Jan 10\n\n[January 14.]\n\nSECTION 2,\n\nNo. 1.\n\nSir A. Nicolson to Sir Edward Grey.-(Received January 14.)\n\n(No. 15.)\n\n(Telegraphic.) P.\n\nFOLLOWING is confidential:\n\nRailway schemes in Manchuria.\n\nSt. Petersburgh, January 14, 1910.\n\nAt to-day's New Year reception I spoke to M. Isvolsky, who told me in confidence that he expected to send in shortly his reply to the proposals of the United States Government. The question had formed the subject of a confidential exchange of views between the Russian and Japanese Governments.\n\nThe Russian reply, I gather, will be in substance a refusal to entertain the larger scheme of internationalisation, and a request that they may be supplied with some further details as to the Chinchow-Aigun scheme. This latter scheme, M. Isvolsky said, raised questions of great importance to Russia, strategic, commercial, and economic. He repeated once more, as indeed he does on every occasion, that he was at a loss to understand why it was only at the last moment that the opinion of Russia had been asked, while he knew that the question had been mentioned by His Majesty's Government to Japan at an earlier stage. I assured him that this was not intentional, and said that it could only have been an oversight. I was rather at a loss as to how to answer him. The tendency of the United States proposals will be to bring Japan and Russia into closer relations.\n\n[2581 -2]\n\nPage 246\n\n...\n\n...\n\nPage 247", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-371 - Public Offices - 1910.txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 428325, "series_id": 27, "series_slug": "histsyn-co129-engine", "series_title": "CO129 Colonial Office Hong Kong Records 理藩院香港檔案", "series_use_hku_proxy": false, "document_key": "CO129-371 - Public Offices - 1910", "page_number": 250, "title": "CO129-371 - Public Offices - 1910", "content_text": "[This Document is the Property of His Britannic Majesty's Government.]\n\nREGF18 EB 10\n\nCHINA RAILWAYS.\n\nCONFIDENTIAL.\n\n[January 23.]\n\nSECTION 1.\n\n[2517]\n\nSir A. Nicolson to Sir Edward Grey.-(Received January 23.)\n\nNo. 1.\n\nSt. Petersburgh, January 23, 1910.\n\n(No. 25.) (Telegraphic.) P.\n\nPROJECTED railway from Chinchow to Aigun.\n\nI saw M. Isvolsky to-day and his Excellency told me that he had spoken to the American Ambassador quite frankly about this scheme. He had pointed out to him that while any schemes for lines which would act as feeders for the Chinese Eastern Railway would be favourably considered by the Russian Government, lines which would tap that railway could not be expected to have their support. M. Isvolsky seems in a measure to be reverting to his original attitude of hostility to the Chinchow-Aigun project, which he considers would necessitate a large expenditure for the fortification of Blagovestchensk. M. Isvolsky referred once more to the fact that Japan had been consulted before Russia. I explained the position of His Majesty's Government in the matter as set forth in your telegram No. 2 of the 3rd January, but M. Isvolsky did not seem to derive much satisfaction from the explanation. He said that the concession had already been granted by Imperial edict, and that, according to the American Ambassador, His Majesty's Government had acted in this matter identically, and pari passu with the American Government. To this I replied that His Majesty's Government were remaining quite passive, and I added in confidence that instructions had been sent to His Majesty's Minister at Peking to wait until the wishes and views of Russia were known before taking any steps. His Majesty's Government, I said, always kept carefully in mind, and had always kept carefully in mind, the interests and wishes of Russia, and their action in this matter was perfectly loyal to the Russian Government. To my observation that it was impossible for us to restrict the action of our financiers, M. Isvolsky replied that it was possible for us to be induced to afford them our support. To this I replied that, so far, we had not done so, and that, if necessary, we could be obstinate.\n\nM. Isvolsky's attitude on the question was a little troublesome, and I gathered that his tone towards the American Ambassador had been somewhat testy.\n\n[2581 a - 1]\n\n记", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-371 - Public Offices - 1910.txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 428333, "series_id": 27, "series_slug": "histsyn-co129-engine", "series_title": "CO129 Colonial Office Hong Kong Records 理藩院香港檔案", "series_use_hku_proxy": false, "document_key": "CO129-371 - Public Offices - 1910", "page_number": 258, "title": "CO129-371 - Public Offices - 1910", "content_text": "2\n\ncontrol the works, Chinese and foreign workmen, inspection of foreign materials, and the like. While issuing the official instructions for this appointment it is necessary at the same time to notify your corporation of the same.\n\nEnclosure 3 in No. 1.\n\nLiang Shih-yi to Mr. Robertson.\n\nLIANG.\n\nDecember 27, 1909.\n\n\"THE Shanhaikwan Railway Agreement, article 6, provides that during the term of the loan the engineer-in-chief shall be an Englishman, and should occasion arise to appoint a new engineer-in-chief the corporation must be consulted with regard to his appointment. The chief engineer of the Peking-Mukden Railway, Mr. Bellingham, being now deceased, it is necessary to select another candidate for the post, and the director-general accordingly proposes to appoint district engineer Mr. Ricketts, who is qualified by his familiarity with the line, to fill the post of engineer-in-chief of the said railway.\n\nThe corporation is, therefore, hereby advised of this decision, and requested to reply without delay.\n\nLIANG.\n\n[B]\n\n[This Document is the Property of His Britannic Majesty's Government]\n\nCHINA RAILWAYS.\n\nCONFIDENTIAL.\n\nREG Received 18 FEB 10] January 31.\n\nSECTION 3,\n\n[3354]\n\n(No. 45.) Sir,\n\nNo. 1.\n\nSir A. Nicolson to Sir Edward Grey.-(Received January 31.)\n\nSt. Petersburgh, January 23, 1910.\n\nM. ISVOLSKY informed me yesterday that he had handed to the United States Ambassador the Russian reply to the proposal for the internationalisation of the Manchurian railways, and also in regard to the proposed line from Chinchow to Aigun. He had just had a conversation with Mr. Rockhill on the latter question, and he had spoken quite frankly to his Excellency. He had pointed out the manner in which such a line would affect Russian interests from several points of view, and he had not disguised from Mr. Rockhill that in his view the American proposals might raise serious difficulties with China. He had once more impressed on Mr. Rockhill that the Russian Government did not wish to agree to lines which would tap Russian lines, though they were ready to discuss the question of lines which would act as feeders. Moreover, there were the strategical questions; and if the Aigun line were to be constructed, it would compel the Russian Government to spend large sums of money in fortifying Blagovestchensk, and in taking other measures to protect their communications along the Amur.\n\nI interposed the remark that if the Aigun line were neutralised or internationalised, the strategical objections would be greatly modified if not entirely removed. M. Isvolsky made an impatient gesture and said that no one would, in the event of war, pay any attention to such technicalities. He had now learnt that the concession had been actually granted by the Central Government, and he had given Mr. Rockhill clearly to understand that the Russian Government were more than surprised at such a step having been taken at this juncture.\n\nHe could only repeat to me his surprise that we had not mentioned the matter to him at an earlier date; we had spoken to Japan but had ignored Russia. I gave him the explanations with which you were good enough to provide me in your telegram No. 22 of the 15th instant, but his Excellency remarked that the fact remained that we had talked the matter over with Japan, and had considered the interests of the latter country before any mention had been made to him. Mr. Rockhill had defended the action of the United States Government by saying that they had proceeded hand-in-hand with Great Britain, and that the action of both countries was identical.\n\nI told him that my Government were remaining quite passive in the matter, and I would go further and tell him confidentially that our Minister at Peking had been instructed to take no steps until we had ascertained the views and wishes of the Russian Government. No one could accuse us of not bearing the interests of Russia carefully in mind, and we were acting in perfect loyalty towards her, even in spite of certain pressure being put upon us to take a more active line.\n\nM. Isvolsky said that we would eventually support the project. I replied that in any case we had not done so hitherto. He remarked that our capitalists would induce us to do so. I said that I did not think that this would necessarily be the case, and we could be obstinate if it were considered desirable.\n\nHis Excellency said that in any case the American proposals had had one good result. I observed that they had brought Russia and Japan closer together, and to my mind any improvement in the relations between the two countries should be welcomed. M. Isvolsky replied that this had been the case, but he was at the moment alluding to the fact that for the first time the press were almost unanimous in approving the reply which he had given to the American proposals. He had for once une bonne presse.\n\nThis remark is very characteristic, and shows how in all matters M. Isvolsky regards questions in great measure from a personal point of view. Nevertheless, it would be churlish to grudge him some satisfaction at having secured the suffrages of the press, after the manner in which the public journals have, in most instances unjustly, attacked and censured his policy.\n\nI noticed that during our conversation M. Isvolsky was somewhat irritable, and seemed disposed to revert to his original position in respect to the Aigun line.\n\n[2581 hh-3]\n\n256", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-371 - Public Offices - 1910.txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 428338, "series_id": 27, "series_slug": "histsyn-co129-engine", "series_title": "CO129 Colonial Office Hong Kong Records 理藩院香港檔案", "series_use_hku_proxy": false, "document_key": "CO129-371 - Public Offices - 1910", "page_number": 263, "title": "CO129-371 - Public Offices - 1910", "content_text": "This Document is the Property of His Britannic Majesty's Government.\n\nRECO\n\n4810\n\n261\n\nREG918 FEB 10,\n\nCHINA RAILWAYS.\n\nCONFIDENTIAL.\n\n[3904]\n\nNo. 1.\n\n[February 2.]\n\nSECTION 4.\n\n(No. 56.)\n\nSir Edward Grey to Sir A. Nicolson.\n\n(Telegraphic.) P.\n\nCHINCHOW-AIGUN Railway.\n\nForeign Office, February 2, 1910.\n\nI have told Count Benckendorff, who raised the question, that Sir J. Jordan had been told some time ago to assume a non-committal attitude, until the view of the Russian Government could be discovered. In order that no doubt should remain in his Excellency's mind, I let him see a copy of my private letter which you will receive by this bag, and I pointed out to him that we had consequently made no representations to the authorities at Peking with a view to obtaining an Imperial edict for the line, and that the Chinese Government have given us no information as to its issue.\n\n[3795]\n\n(No. 21.)\n\nNo. 2.\n\nSir Edward Grey to Mr. Max Müller,\n\n(Telegraphic.) P.\n\nForeign Office, February 2, 1910.\n\nHUKUANG loan. Please refer to Mr. Hillier's telegram of yesterday's date. You should consult with the French, American, and German Ministers as to addressing a joint protest to the Wai-wu Pu with regard to the issue of an Imperial edict encouraging applications from Chinese lenders for the Hupeh sections of the railway, and pointing out to the Chinese Government that this edict directly violates the terms of the preliminary loan agreement.\n\n[2631 6-4]", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-371 - Public Offices - 1910.txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 428340, "series_id": 27, "series_slug": "histsyn-co129-engine", "series_title": "CO129 Colonial Office Hong Kong Records 理藩院香港檔案", "series_use_hku_proxy": false, "document_key": "CO129-371 - Public Offices - 1910", "page_number": 265, "title": "CO129-371 - Public Offices - 1910", "content_text": "[B]\n\n[This Document is the Property of His Britannic Majesty's Government.]\n\nCHINA RAILWAYS,\n\nCONFIDENTIAL.\n\n[3985]\n\nNo. 1.\n\nC O 4810\n\n263\n\nRECEIVED 18 FEB 10,\n\n[February 4.]\n\nSECTION 1.\n\nSir A. Nicolson to Sir Edward Grey.—(Received February 4.)\n\n(No. 64.) Sir,\n\nSt. Petersburgh, February 1, 1910. WITH reference to your despatch No. 2 of the 3rd ultimo, I have the honour to transmit to you herewith copy of a letter which I have received from M. Isvolsky, covering an aide-mémoire (in translation) defining the views of the Russian Government in regard to the Chinchow-Aigun Railway.\n\nI have, &c.\n\nA. NICOLSON.\n\nEnclosure 1 in No. 1.\n\nM. Isvolsky to Sir A. Nicolson.\n\nMon cher Ambassadeur,\n\nSaint-Petersbourg, le 18 (31) janvier 1910. ME référant à la note que Sir Edward Grey a bien voulu adresser au Comte Beuckendorff le 3 janvier (N.S.) ainsi qu'à la conversation que j'ai eue avec votre Excellence concernant le Chemin de Fer Tchin-tchéou-Tsitsikar-Aigoun, je m'empresse de vous transmettre ci-joint un aide-mémoire exposant le point de vue du Gouvernement Impérial à ce sujet.\n\nVotre sincèrement dévoué,\n\nISVOLSKY,\n\nEnclosure 2 in No. 1.\n\nAide-Mémoire communicated to Sir A. Nicolson by M. Isvolsky.\n\nTHE Imperial Russian Government consider it their duty to express their sincere thanks for the frank exposition of the course of negotiations respecting the project of the Chinchow-Tsitsikar-Aigun Railway, contained in the note which His Britannic Majesty's Principal Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs addressed on the 3rd January of this year (N.S.) to the Russian Ambassador in London. The Imperial Government with special satisfaction learned from this note that the British Government in replying to the proposal of the Government of the United States to induce China to agree to the participation of Japan and other Powers in the construction of the line mentioned, expressed a wish to ascertain beforehand the view of the two Powers most interested in this question-Russia and Japan.\n\nIn view of this wish of the British Government, the Imperial Government first of all cannot conceal a certain doubt with reference to the correctness of the interpretation, set forth in the concluding portion of Sir E. Grey's note, of the notes exchanged between the Russian and British Governments in 1899 in their relation to the Chinchow-Aigun Railway. The British Government suppose that the agreement of 1899 has no reference whatever to this project, as in the present instance there is no question of concessions being asked in favour of British subjects, but only the financing of a Chinese enterprise. However, it can scarcely be doubted that the capital invested in this enterprise will be guaranteed sooner or later, for which purpose it will probably be necessary to establish foreign control over the management of the Chinchow-Tsitsikar-Aigun Railway. The connection which the Government of the United States makes between the plan for this line and the \"commercial neutralisation\" of the Manchurian railways compels the supposition that this control will also affect the administration of the railway. Meanwhile, at the time of the conclusion of the agreement of 1899, the necessity was recognised of defining in separate notes the rights\n\n[2631 d-1]\n\nPage 263\n\nPage 264", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-371 - Public Offices - 1910.txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 428341, "series_id": 27, "series_slug": "histsyn-co129-engine", "series_title": "CO129 Colonial Office Hong Kong Records 理藩院香港檔案", "series_use_hku_proxy": false, "document_key": "CO129-371 - Public Offices - 1910", "page_number": 266, "title": "CO129-371 - Public Offices - 1910", "content_text": "[This Document is the Property of His Britannic Majesty's Government.]\n\n[B]\n\nRECO\n\n264\n\n4810\n\nREG£18 FEB 10\n\n!\n\n2\n\nof the British Company, \"British and Chinese Corporation,\" which advanced money to the Chinese Government for the construction of the line Shan-hai-kwan--Newchwang, it having been noted that this line must not be under foreign control. It is evident that the position of the Shan-hai-kwan-Newchwang line was recognised as an exception to the general rule established by the agreement of 1899. Therefore the Imperial Government presume that they will in any case be informed as to the form of guarantee of foreign capital under which the Chinchow-Aigun Railway will be constructed before deciding whether they are able to agree with the opinion of the British Government that the participation of British capital in this enterprise is not contrary to the agreement of 1899.\n\nAgain, in the opinion of Sir E. Grey, the Imperial Government have already recognised the correctness of the view of the British Government as to the relation of the agreement of 1899 towards the financing of railway enterprises in China in general, and in particular the Chinchow-Tsitsikar-Aigun Railway, when they expressed a desire that Russian capital should participate in a loan for the construction of the Hankow-Canton and the Hankow-Szechuan railways. As regards this, the Imperial Government consider it their duty to mention that between the plans for the Hankow-Canton and Hankow-Szechuan railways on the one side, and the Chinchow-Tsitsikar--In the first case the Aignu line on the other side, there is a very essential difference. question was that the Russo-Chinese Bank should receive a share in an enterprise conceived by British capitalists, approved of by the British Government, and being realised with the equal participation of British, French, German, and American capital. On the other hand, the project for the Chiuchow-Tsitsikar-Aigun line was not only conceived without any participation by Russian capitalists, but Russia was informed of it only as a matter already decided upon, and now the Imperial Government learn that an ukase by the Chinese Government has already been signed formally authorising this enterprise.\n\nMoreover, the Chinchow-Tsitsikar-Aigun line, which will be the shortest of existing railway routes from Europe to Pekin and the ports of China, and will pass through a district which has hitherto been tapped by the Chinese Eastern Railway, bas, for Russia, an economic significance of the first degree; only a very exhaustive study can determine to what degree this line will compete with the Chinese Eastern Railway. The strategic significance for Russia of the Chinchow-Tsitsikar-Aigun line is evident, as at Blagovyeshchensk it must pass towards an unfortified frontier of Russia. Even if this railway was constructed to Tsitsikar only, it would make it possible for China to concentrate troops along it to the Chinese Eastern line itself whereas Russia, by virtue of article 7 of the Portsmouth treaty, has bound herself not to take advantage of her railway in Manchuria for strategic aims, and has limited her military strength along this route to fifteen men per kilometre. Moreover, the Chinese Eastern Railway occupies an entirely special position; it fulfils for Russia a very important State task as the main route for her relations with her Far Eastern possessions and their supply with Russian wares. The Imperial Government cannot without apprehension see a line of such State importance under a constant threat of interruption and seizure.\n\nThe above considerations have, in the eyes of the Imperial Government, a most serious significance. The construction of the Chinchow-Tsitsikar-Aigun Railway would bring about such a material violation of the balance which has existed along the Chinese Eastern Railway and on the Russo-Chinese frontier, and has permitted their remaining without effective measures of protection, that, in the event of the realisation of the proposed construction, the Imperial Government would be compelled to consider seriously measures for the defence of their possessions in the basin of the River Amur, and a radical alteration of their friendly and confiding policy as regards China.\n\nBritish capitalists evidently are only seeking an advantageous investment of their money, and cannot be interested in co-operating in the unfriendly intrigues of China with reference to Russia. The Imperial Government are therefore convinced that the British Government, in the question of the Chinchow-Tsitsikar-Aigun Railway, will take Russian interests into consideration, and will find it possible to exchange opinions with Russia on this matter.\n\nSt. Petersburgh, January 18 (31), 1910.\n\nCHINA RAILWAYS.\n\nCONFIDENTIAL.\n\n[4503]\n\nNo. 1.\n\n[February 8.]\n\nSECTION 2.\n\nSir C. MacDonald to Sir Edward Grey.-(Received February 8, 1910.)\n\n(No. 375. Very Confidential.)\n\nSir,\n\nTokyo, December 26, 1909. I HAVE the honour to state that Sir John Jordan repeated to me on the 10th instant his telegram No. 198 of the 18th to you, stating that the American chargé d'affaires in Peking had informed him that he intended to submit a proposal of a formal nature to the Chinese Government to the effect that all railways in Manchuria should be internationalised, and that the principle of such internationalisation had been accepted by His Majesty's Government. The American chargé d'affaires further stated that he had been instructed to co-operate with Sir John Jordan in advising the Chinese Government to admit the Japanese into some participation in the Chinchow-Tsitsihar-Aiguu Railway.\n\nThis step on the part of the American chargé d'affaires in Peking seemed to me to be of a somewhat unusual nature. Sir John Jordan's telegram did not specifically state that the proposal was made under instructions from the American Government, and the statement that His Majesty's Government agreed in principle to the internationalisation of all railways in Manchuria was not in accordance with the action His Majesty's Government had in the past taken with regard to the South Manchurian Railway; I thought, therefore, that the chargé d'affaires bad exceeded his instructions or perhaps taken a line of his own, and I was the more inclined to adopt the view as I had heard nothing from you on the subject. Happening to meet Count Komura at a private reception the same afternoon, I sounded him on the subject. His Excellency at once said that from Peking he had heard nothing, but the American Ambassador a few hours previously had sent in a formal proposal in writing on behalf of his Government suggesting the internationalisation of all railways in Manchuria-\"those already constructed as well as those which might be constructed in the future.\" This proposal had come as a great surprise to the Japanese Government; it was, in fact, one to internationalise property belonging to the Japanese nation which they had acquired as a result of great expenditure in lives and treasure. His Excellency added that he had not had time to study the proposal carefully; it would of course be submitted to the Cabinet, and when a decision had been arrived at he would at once let me know.\n\nThe same evening the American Ambassador, Mr. O'Brien, was dining at this embassy, and of his own accord spoke to me on the subject. He said that he had received instructions on the 18th instant from Washington to submit a memorandum to the Japanese Government suggesting that all railways in Manchuria should be internationalised. Personally he had more than once spoken to Count Komura with regard to the advisability of the sale by Japan of her rights in the Manchurian Railway-the Japanese Government were in want of money, and hard cash would be much more useful to them than the railway. I ventured to say that it seemed to me that, the South Manchurian Railway being the one asset which remained over to the Japanese as the result of a hard-fought war, for sentimental if for no other reasons they would not feel disposed to sell their hard-won rights. Anyway, I thought that railways in Manchuria meant a great deal more to Japan than money, and, speaking privately, I did not think that the proposal which his Government had made would be favourably received by the Japanese Government, certainly not in regard to the South Manchurian Railway.\n\nThe gist of my conversation with the American Ambassador I telegraphed to you on the following day, the 21st December.\n\nOn the 24th December I received your telegram No. 40 of the 23rd instant, the first on this subject of internationalisation. You stated that the Japanese Ambassador had informed you that his Government proposed to decline to accede to the American proposal for internationalisation because it would be contrary to the position secured to Japan by the Portsmouth Treaty. You added, however, that Mr. Kato was personally inclined to agree to a suggestion made by you to the effect that Japan, while\n\n[2631 -2]", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-371 - Public Offices - 1910.txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 428387, "series_id": 27, "series_slug": "histsyn-co129-engine", "series_title": "CO129 Colonial Office Hong Kong Records 理藩院香港檔案", "series_use_hku_proxy": false, "document_key": "CO129-371 - Public Offices - 1910", "page_number": 312, "title": "CO129-371 - Public Offices - 1910", "content_text": "CO 310\n\n[This Document is the Property of His Britannic Majesty's Government]\n\nCHINA RAILWAYS.\n\nCONFIDENTIAL.\n\nReceived 24 FEB 10,\n\n[December 18.]\n\nSTATION 3.\n\n[45949]\n\nNo. 1\n\nSir J. Jordan to Sir Edward Grey (Received December 18.)\n\nPeking, December 18, 1909.\n\n(No. 198.) (Telegraphic.) P.\n\nI WAS informed to-day by the American chargé d'affaires that he intends to lay before the Wai-wu Pu on the 20th instant an official proposal on the part of his Government, suggesting the internationalisation of all railways in Manchuria. Mr. Fletcher stated that His Majesty's Government had expressed their approval of the proposal in principle.\n\nHe was anxious to know whether I had received instructions to use my influence with the Chinese Government in order to secure Japanese participation in the Chinchow-Aigun Railway, as he was in receipt of instructions to support me in this direction. Before making any such suggestion formally to the Chinese Government he thought it would be advisable to acquaint the Japanese Minister verbally with our intentions, and proposed that we should jointly speak to Mr. Ijuin in that sense.\n\n[2538 -3]", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-371 - Public Offices - 1910.txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 428389, "series_id": 27, "series_slug": "histsyn-co129-engine", "series_title": "CO129 Colonial Office Hong Kong Records 理藩院香港檔案", "series_use_hku_proxy": false, "document_key": "CO129-371 - Public Offices - 1910", "page_number": 314, "title": "CO129-371 - Public Offices - 1910", "content_text": "} \n\n13 \n\nCO \n\n5654312 \n\n[This Document is the Property of His Britannic Majesty's Government.] \n\nCHINA RAILWAYS. \n\nCONFIDENTIAL. \n\nREG 24 FEB IC \n\n[December 21.] \n\nSECTION 4. \n\n[46382] \n\nNo. 1. \n\nSir C. MacDonald to Sir Edward Grey.-(Received December 21.) (No. 75. Very Confidential.) \n\n(Telegraphic.) P. \n\nTokyo, December 21, 1909. \n\nINTERNATIONALISATION of railways in Manchuria. Please refer to my telegram No. 74 of the 20th December last. Yesterday evening United States Ambassador spoke to me on the subject of this proposal, which he informed me he had sent to Count Komura that afternoon by instructions from his Government. \n\nMr. O'Brien said that as participation in the Aigun-Chinchow Railway was desired by the Japanese Government, and as financing and construction of railways in other parts of China were being shared in by other Powers, the United States Government thought that this arrangement could with advantage be extended to the Manchurian railways also. He had more than once in conversation with Minister for Foreign Affairs put forward the suggestion that as Japan was in want of money she might with advantage sell her rights in the Manchurian railway. I said that I did not think the proposal would be favourably received by the Japanese Government, to whom railways in China meant more than money. \n\n[2538", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-371 - Public Offices - 1910.txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 428392, "series_id": 27, "series_slug": "histsyn-co129-engine", "series_title": "CO129 Colonial Office Hong Kong Records 理藩院香港檔案", "series_use_hku_proxy": false, "document_key": "CO129-371 - Public Offices - 1910", "page_number": 317, "title": "CO129-371 - Public Offices - 1910", "content_text": "[This Document is the Property of His Britannic Majesty's Governmėn.\n\n[B]\n\nRECO\n\n315\n\nRro? 24 FEL 10\n\nCHINA RAILWAYS.\n\nCONFIDENTIAL.\n\n[3510]\n\nNo. 1.\n\n[January 31.]\n\nSECTION 6.\n\nSir J. Jordan to Sir Edward Grey.--(Received January 31.)\n\n(No. 13. Confidential.) Sir,\n\nPeking, January 8, 1910.\n\nI HAD the honour to receive on the 29th December your telegram No. 204, in which you informed me that I was authorised to concert with the United States chargé d'affaires in endeavouring to induce China to accept Japanese participation in the Chinchow-Aigun railway project.\n\nMy United States colleague, who had been making enquiries on the subject for a few days previously, was duly informed of the receipt of these instructions, and we agreed, as suggested in my telegram No. 198 of the 18th December, to make a joint verbal communication to our Japanese colleague before taking any action with the Wai-wu Pu.\n\nMr. Fletcher and I accordingly called upon the Japanese Minister on the 31st December, and explained fully to Mr. Ijuin the nature and scope of the instructions we had severally received. Mr. Fletcher reviewed the measures which his Government had taken in connection with the proposal for the internationalisation of Manchurian railways, and stated that while the Chinchow-Aigun project had been included in the general scheme which had been submitted to Japan and the other interested Powers, it had been subordinated to the main proposal in his communications with the Chinese Government. He had furnished the Wai-wu Pu with a memorandum on the subject on the 21st December, and he proposed to send them a supplementary note dealing more especially with the Chinchow-Aigun project. In this he would state that if the larger and more comprehensive scheme was found to be impracticable, the same object might perhaps be gradually attained by participation in the Chinchow-Aigun project and using it as a basis for the absorption on commercial lines of other Manchurian railways.\n\nI explained to Mr. Ijuin that my instructions did not, I conceived, embrace the larger scheme of which Mr. Fletcher had spoken, but merely authorised me to do what I could to persuade the Chinese Government that the Japanese claim to participation in the Chinchow-Aigun line was one which could reasonably be conceded. Mr. Ijuin thanked us for our communication. He said that he had received information but no instructions with regard to the larger proposal put forward by the United States Government. His instructions respecting the Chinchow-Aigun enterprise dated some time back, and he would have to ask for fresh ones, but he could at once say that our proposal to urge the advisability of Japanese participation upon the Chinese Government had his cordial approval. He had told the Wai-wu Pu that Japan would wish to be consulted before the matter was finally arranged. Personally, he thought it would be advisable to keep the project, as far as possible, a British-American one. Russia had possibly a claim to a voice in the matter, but the inclusion of other Powers would, he feared, only complicate matters and not facilitate the practical execution of the undertaking.\n\nSome days later Mr. Fletcher furnished me with the enclosed copy of a note which he had addressed to the Wai-wu Pu on the 31st December in the sense of the language which he had used in speaking with the Japanese Minister, and yesterday he and I had an interview on the subject with his Excellency Liang Tun-yen at the Wai-wu Pu, in which our observations followed largely the lines of our previous interview with the Japanese Minister.\n\nMr. Fletcher explained the American scheme for the internationalisation of all Manchurian railways, and stated that Great Britain and Germany had expressed their agreement with the proposal. The Chinchow-Aigun line might, however, be utilised as an alternative measure for the gradual attainment of the same object, and he suggested that the Chinese Government should proceed to ratify the Chinchow-Aigun preliminary agreement. He asked that if the Chinese Government hesitated to \n\n[2581 kh-0]", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-371 - Public Offices - 1910.txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 428393, "series_id": 27, "series_slug": "histsyn-co129-engine", "series_title": "CO129 Colonial Office Hong Kong Records 理藩院香港檔案", "series_use_hku_proxy": false, "document_key": "CO129-371 - Public Offices - 1910", "page_number": 318, "title": "CO129-371 - Public Offices - 1910", "content_text": "CIT\n\n2\n\ncommit themselves to an Imperial decree, they should, in their reply to his note, formally affirm their willingness to have the line constructed with British and American assistance. Such other nations as China was willing to admit might then be invited to participate in terms of the preliminary agreement.\n\nLiang Ta-jen said that the Chinese Government had quite decided to go on with the Chinchow-Aigun project, but that there were some details in the preliminary agreement which required to be adjusted. China would gladly welcome any scheme which would restore to her her sovereign rights over Manchurian railways, but there were so many “ifs\" connected with the various proposals that he felt some difficulty in giving any definite answer about matters whose relation to each other was not altogether clear to him.\n\nI said that my instructions had special reference to the Chinchow-Aigun project, in which it seemed to His Majesty's Government that China might reasonably concede a certain degree of participation to Japan in order to smooth over possible difficulties and accelerate the completion of the agreement. The participation which would satisfy Japan would probably be such as China could grant without in any way impairing her sovereign rights or prejudicing her position in Manchuria,\n\nLiang said that nothing could be decided until they knew what Japan's terms really were. The Japanese Minister had merely intimated to them that his Government desired to be consulted in the matter, but had made no reference to participation. He added that he did not see why Japan and Russia should be admitted to participation in the Chinchow-Aigun line unless they were prepared to make some equivalent concessions, either by adhering to the general scheme of railway internationalisation, or by waiving some of their vested interests in Manchurian railways. It seemed to him that the acceptance or rejection of the larger scheme would depend largely upon the attitude of Great Britain, whose advice could not fail to influence Japan. While repeating that I had no authority to discuss the larger scheme, I remarked that I could not altogether share his sanguine estimate of the weight which British advice would carry in such a question with the Japanese Government. Liang Ta-jen asked whether America and Great Britain would be prepared to go on with the construction of this line in the event of China refusing to allow Japan and Russia to participate. In reply, I referred to the troubles which had arisen over the Fakumen line, and which had ended in the arrangement of September last. It was to forestall all difficulties of this kind, and to obviate the possibility of a similar result, that we now made the friendly suggestion for admitting Japanese participation.\n\nMr. Fletcher replied that he could not say what the United States Government would do in such a case, but his private opinion was that they were prepared to go through with the undertaking, although they considered it better to include all interested parties.\n\nLiang finally promised to consult Prince Ch'ing and his colleagues, and let Mr. Fletcher have a reply to his communications.\n\nThe Japanese Minister, to whom I communicated the result of the interview to-day, informed me that he had received instructions that his Government would not object to the construction of this line on condition that Japanese participation was granted by China. Japan could not take the initiative in urging participation upon China, but she was prepared to discuss the terms of such participation with China. I mentioned that Liang Ta-jen had expressed a wish to know the terms, and Mr. Ijuin said he would telegraph for instructions on this point.\n\nI am inclined to think that the Chinese Government may be disposed to make the completion of the Chinchow-Aigun Agreement dependent upon the degree of support which the larger scheme obtains from the Powers, and that it might have been wiser to defer the consideration of the latter proposal, which, I confess, appears to me to be of an impracticable character at present, until something definite had been arranged about the railway, to the construction of which the Chinese Government were more or less committed.\n\nI have, &c.\n\nJ. N. JORDAN,\n\n3\n\nEnclosure in No. 1.\n\nUnited States Charge d'Affaires to Prince Ch'ing.\n\nDecember 31, 1909.\n\nYour Imperial Highness,\n\nI HAD the honour to present to your Highness's board on the 21st instant a memorandum in the following terms:—\n\n\"On the 2nd October their Excellencies the Viceroy of Manchuria and the Governor of Fengtien signed, with the representatives of the American Banking Group and Pauling Company, an English firm, an agreement providing for the financing, construction, and operation of a railway from Chinchow to Aigun. The Government of the United States is prepared to support and facilitate this enterprise, which it believes would greatly contribute to the progress and commercial development of China.\n\n\"There are already in operation in Manchuria three separate and distinct railway systems, under Russian, Japanese, and Chinese direction. The co-operation between these three systems is not so close, nor are the economic benefits derived from their operation so great, as would be the case if all were under the same administration. Political questions have also arisen in connection with the contracts under which certain of these railways are operated. It seems, therefore, to the Government of the United States that perhaps the most effective way to preserve the undisturbed enjoyment by the Chinese Government of all political rights in Manchuria, and to promote the development of those provinces under a practical application of the policy of the 'open door' and equal commercial opportunity, would be to bring the existing and contemplated Manchurian railways under an economic, scientific, and impartial administration by some plan vesting in China the ownership of the railways through funds furnished for that purpose by the interested Powers willing to participate.\n\n\"The loan necessary for this purpose should be for a period ample to make it reasonably certain that it could be met within the time fixed, and should be upon such terms as would make it attractive to bankers and investors. It would also be provided that nationals of the participating Powers should supervise the railroad systems during the term of the loan, and the Governments concerned should enjoy for such period the usual preferences for their nationals and materials upon an equitable basis among themselves.\n\n\"The execution of this plan would, of course, require the co-operation of China and of Japan and Russia, the reversionary and concessionnaires respectively of the existing Manchurian railways, as well as that of Great Britain and the United States, whose special interests are in connection with the contemplated Chinchow-Aigun Railway.\n\n\"It is scarcely necessary to point out to the Imperial Chinese Government the immense advantages to China which would result from the plan above proposed. The ownership of all lines in Manchuria would become vested in China, and with such investiture all political questions which have arisen in connection with lines now in operation or in course of construction would be definitely settled. The Manchurian railways being thus welded into one system would become a vastly more efficient agency in the commercial, industrial, and agricultural development of those provinces. \"The Government of the United States would learn with pleasure that this project meets with the favourable consideration of the Imperial Chinese Government.\"\n\nOn the 24th instant I was informed by their Excellencies Na-t'ung and Liang Tun-yen, Presidents of the Board of Foreign Affairs, that the project above outlined met with the favourable consideration of your Highness's Government.\n\nThis suggestion, which has for its object the commercial neutralisation of the three Eastern provinces, has also been made to the various Governments likely to interest themselves in the project, and their replies will be, in due course, communicated to the Imperial Chinese Government.\n\nThe Government of the United States regards the Chinchow-Aigun Railway—the preliminary agreement for the financing, construction, and operation of which was signed last October—as an important factor in the proposed plan. For should it transpire that the larger and more comprehensive project for the repurchase by China of all the Manchurian railways be found not possible in its entirety at this time, the desired end may approximately be attained by the construction of the Chinchow-Aigun line by China under said arrangement, and by inviting, as provided therein, the\n\n316", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-371 - Public Offices - 1910.txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 428394, "series_id": 27, "series_slug": "histsyn-co129-engine", "series_title": "CO129 Colonial Office Hong Kong Records 理藩院香港檔案", "series_use_hku_proxy": false, "document_key": "CO129-371 - Public Offices - 1910", "page_number": 319, "title": "CO129-371 - Public Offices - 1910", "content_text": "3170\n\n4\n\nPowers friendly to complete commercial neutralisation of Manchuria to participate in the financing and construction of not only the Chinchow-Aigun line, but also of such additional lines as the future commercial development of this region may demand, and at the same time the supply of funds for the purchase by China of such of the existing lines of railway as might be offered for sale to China and which would be included in her Manchurian railway system.\n\nThe Government of the United States would therefore be pleased to learn that its suggestion with regard to the Chinchow-Aigun Railway also meets with the approval of your Highness's Government, and that the proper arrangements may be undertaken to make the same effective.\n\n[This Document is the Property of His Britannic Majesty's Government]\n\nCHINA RAILWAYS.\n\nCONFIDENTIAL.\n\n[3909]\n\nNo. 1.\n\nRFC 24 FEB IC\n\n[February 3.]\n\nSECTION 6.\n\nI avail, &c.\n\nHENRY P. FLETCHER.\n\nPapers communicated by Mr. C. S. Addis February 2, 1910.\n\n(1.)\n\nDear Herr Urbig,\n\nMr. C. S. Addis to Herr Urbig.\n\nHong Kong and Shanghae Bank, London, February 2, 1910.\n\nI RECEIVED last night the enclosed telegram from Hillier. The issue of an Imperial edict inviting applications for concessions on the Hupeh section of the Hukuang railways is a different matter altogether from an unofficial advertisement for tenders in an obscure native paper, and demands immediate action.\n\nI have reason to believe that instructions are to be cabled to the British Minister to associate himself with his German, French, and American colleagues in a joint protest against this flagrant disregard by the Chinese Government of our international agreement of the 6th June.\n\nI trust that it may have been found expedient by the German, French, and American Governments to issue similar instructions to their respective Ministers in Peking.\n\nBelieve me, &c.\n\nC. S. ADDIS.\n\n(2.)\n\n(Telegraphic.)\n\nMr. Hillier to Mr. C. S. Addis.\n\nPeking, February 1, 1910. IMPERIAL edict has been issued instructing Yuchuanpu to note applications received from native capitalists for concessions Hupeh section Hankow-Canton Railway, Hankow-Szechuen Railway. Foregoing ignores agreements concluded the 6th June. Failure to protest promptly will probably result in concessions definitely given to native capitalists. Deutsch-Asiatische Bank, Banque de l'Indo-Chine, W. D. Straight are telegraphing similarly.\n\n(3.)\n\nM. Simon to Mr. C. S. Addis.\n\nParis, le 1 février, 1910.\n\nJE suis entièrement du même avis que vous en ce qui concerne notre participation dans la ligne Tchin-tchéon-Aigoun. Nous ne pouvons qu'attendre les ouvertures qui seront faites, sans aucun doute, soit par le Gouvernement américain auprès de nos Gouvernements, soit par Messrs. Morgan auprès de nous-mêmes. Ainsi que je vous l'ai écrit déjà, notre Ministre des Affaires Etrangères estime qu'il n'y a aucune difficulté à prévoir en ce qui nous concerne dans cette affaire.\n\nCroyez-moi, &c.\n\nSAINT-SIMON.\n\nP.S.-Je vous remercie de la communication que vous avez bien voulu me faire de votre lettre du 31 janvier à Herr Urbig. Les motifs que vous donnez pour expliquer notre abstention sont bien en effet ceux que j'avais aperçus, et je ne puis que confirmer mon opinion à ce sujet.\n\n[2631-6]", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-371 - Public Offices - 1910.txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 428398, "series_id": 27, "series_slug": "histsyn-co129-engine", "series_title": "CO129 Colonial Office Hong Kong Records 理藩院香港檔案", "series_use_hku_proxy": false, "document_key": "CO129-371 - Public Offices - 1910", "page_number": 323, "title": "CO129-371 - Public Offices - 1910", "content_text": "[This Document is the Property of His Britannic Majesty's Government\n\nfree 24 FEB 10\n\nCHINA RAILWAYS.\n\nCONFIDENTIAL.\n\n[4206]\n\nNo. 1.\n\n[February 5.]\n\nSECTION 2.\n\n(No. 23.)\n\nSir Edward Grey to Mr. Max Müller.\n\n(Telegraphic) R.\n\nForeign Office, February 5, 1910.\n\nCHINCHOW-AIGUN Railway. You should remind Chinese Government of our view that Japanese participation was desired in Chinchow-Tsitsihar line, and add that since project has assumed its final form of a Chinchow-Aigun Railway Russia has expressed a desire to be consulted, and that we take the same view favourable to Russia being consulted that we did with regard to Japan. You should warn Chinese Government of impossibility of ignoring Russian and Japanese interests and arriving at a final arrangement without consulting them.\n\nYou can inform your American colleague of this instruction. Repeat to Tokyo.\n\n(Repeated to St. Petersburgh, No. 65, with the following addition: \"You should inform M. Isvolsky of substance of this telegram.\")\n\n[2631 -2]\n\n321\n\n \nPage 321\n\nPage 321", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-371 - Public Offices - 1910.txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 428402, "series_id": 27, "series_slug": "histsyn-co129-engine", "series_title": "CO129 Colonial Office Hong Kong Records 理藩院香港檔案", "series_use_hku_proxy": false, "document_key": "CO129-371 - Public Offices - 1910", "page_number": 327, "title": "CO129-371 - Public Offices - 1910", "content_text": "made between China and Japan, which was communicated to the Powers, must have made it clear that Japan contemplated a third railway, which, like the other two, was meant to make her position in Manchuria secure, and so render any attempt on Corea, over which she has now established a definite protectorate, practically impossible. This has been her definite policy since Russia, with the assistance of France and Germany, made her relinquish her hold on Port Arthur in 1904; this was her first set-back and humiliation. Were she now forced to consent to internationalise the South Manchurian Railway, which she has gained at the expense of a war from the effect of which she has not yet recovered, and the two other railways, all designed to keep her powerful western neighbour at a respectful distance, it would be a second set-back even greater than the first.\n\nAs to the western neighbour above mentioned, it is, I think, sometimes forgotten to what extent, and how thoroughly had Russia, the world looking on and saying nothing, converted Manchuria into a province of her own, and there is little doubt that Japan would have acquiesced in this arrangement, much as she disliked it, had Russia kept her hands off Korea. Is it therefore to be wondered at that she should now strain every nerve to make her position secure in Manchuria, and prevent a repetition of the history of the last fifteen years in this corner of the Far East. As to the policy of the open door and equal commercial opportunity for all in Manchuria, here whatever may have been her intentions Japan has been so carefully watched that the opportunity has gone to those who have known best how to use it, and the door has been kept open. It has, even in these few years since the war, been conclusively proved that the Japanese, commercially and industrially, are no match whatever for the Chinese, and even European undertakings have prospered, where, notwithstanding advantages geographical and otherwise, Japanese have not.\n\nBut politically and in the matter of these strategic railways the door is not open and Japan is not going to allow it to be opened by internationalisation or any other means. You were good enough to cause Sir John Jordan to forward to me a telegram he had received from you, No. 205 of 1909, repeating a telegram, No. 513, from His Majesty's representative in St. Petersburgh; in this Sir Arthur Nicolson reported that M. Isvolsky had spoken to him regarding the internationalisation memorandum he had received from the American representative, which was practically identical with the one His Majesty's Government had received on the 9th November. M. Isvolsky stated that he would be curious to know what views the Japanese Government would take of the scheme which he thought was a vast one and one which would require very careful study on the part of the Russian Government.\n\nIf I am not mistaken M. Isvolsky has by now received from the Russian representative here a very clear indication of the views held by the Japanese Government, for in the course of a long conversation I had this morning with M. Malewsky, His Excellency showed very clearly that he was fully alive to the strategical importance to Japan of these three railways, and had also sounded Count Komura on the subject of the American memorandum the gist of which had been telegraphed from St. Petersburgh; the Minister for Foreign Affairs gave the Russian Ambassador to understand that the Japanese would not view the nationalisation with favour. M. Malewsky spoke very openly on the subject and I should say the Russian Government would not give the American memorandum any real support, though they might approve in \"principle.\" In this connection it must be remembered that by a secret convention signed in July 1907 Japan and Russia have agreed upon their respective spheres of influence in Manchuria and the three railways lie well within the Japanese sphere. Sir Arthur Nicolson in the telegrams above quoted mentions that M. Isvolsky also spoke on the subject of the Chinchow-Tsitsihar-Aigun railway which he regarded in a serious light, in that China was also under obligations to Russia which would be effected by the construction of such a railway.\n\nM. Malewsky seemed much more perturbed about the construction of this railway than with regard to the American memorandum; he pointed out that for a considerable part of its course it would run through desert, and could under no circumstances repay the cost of construction. His Excellency asked somewhat anxiously, \"What was this Paulings'\" and required some reassuring that they were bona fide contractors, and not a political association; he could not understand why they were so anxious to build a railway which would not pay if there was not some arrière-pensée in the matter. I said that so long as they got their pay, and I presume they would exact sufficient guarantee to this end, it was a matter of indifference to them whether the railway paid or not. I do not think my Russian colleague was quite satisfied, and I shall not be surprised if the Russian Government raise objections to the construction of this line.\n\nThe conduct of the sovereign Power, China, in these railway questions, as indeed in others regarding Manchuria, is neither dignified nor altogether easy to understand. The Chinese have signed agreements and conventions with Japan regarding certain railways in Manchuria, granting them special treatment, but according to the chargé d'affaires in Peking (Sir John Jordan's telegram to you, No. 198), the proposal to internationalise these same railways, that is, subject them to a totally different form of treatment, meets with the cordial approval of the Chinese Government.\n\nIt is also worthy of note that the said Government are aware that one of the objections to the Tsin-min-ting-Fakumen Railway was that it might be extended to Tsitsihar, and thereby compete seriously with the South Manchurian Railway by diverting traffic of all kinds from the west on to the Chinese line; having by a convention signed last September with Japan agreed not to construct the railway, they almost immediately sign an agreement with an Anglo-American combination to construct a line also tapping the Siberian Railway at Tsitsihar to bring the western traffic away from the South Manchurian and so containing the same objection which attached to the other project, though perhaps in not so marked a degree.\n\nI have, &c.\n\nCLAUDE M. MACDONALD,\n\n325", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-371 - Public Offices - 1910.txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 428405, "series_id": 27, "series_slug": "histsyn-co129-engine", "series_title": "CO129 Colonial Office Hong Kong Records 理藩院香港檔案", "series_use_hku_proxy": false, "document_key": "CO129-371 - Public Offices - 1910", "page_number": 330, "title": "CO129-371 - Public Offices - 1910", "content_text": "[This Document is the Property of His Britannic Majesty's Government.]\n\nCHINA RAILWAYS,\n\nCONFIDENTIAL\n\n[3510]\n\nNo. 1.\n\nSir Edward Grey to Sir J. Jordan,\n\nPro 24 FEB 10\n\n[February 9.]\n\nSECTION 2,\n\n(No. 51.) Sir,\n\nForeign Office, February 9, 1910.\n\nI HAVE received your despatch No. 13, Confidential, of the 8th ultimo, reporting the steps taken by you, in concert with your United States colleague, to induce the Chinese Government to accept Japanese participation in the Chinchow-Aigun Railway scheme.\n\nYour action in the matter and the language held by you both to Mr. Fletcher and to his Excellency Liang Sun-Yen at the Wai-wu Pu are approved.\n\nI observe that, in explaining the United States proposals for the internationalisation of the Manchurian railways to Mr. Liang, Mr. Fletcher stated that both Great Britain and Germany had expressed their agreement in the scheme. As you are aware, His Majesty's Government have merely expressed their agreement with the proposal in principle, but no information has reached me in regard to the attitude of Germany, nor has there been any exchange of views on the subject between the two Governments. It would be unfortunate if Mr. Fletcher were to give the impression that there had been any understanding or co-operation between London and Berlin in the matter.\n\nI am, &c.\n\n[2631-2]\n\nE. GREY.\n\nPage 330\n\nPage 331", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-371 - Public Offices - 1910.txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 428406, "series_id": 27, "series_slug": "histsyn-co129-engine", "series_title": "CO129 Colonial Office Hong Kong Records 理藩院香港檔案", "series_use_hku_proxy": false, "document_key": "CO129-371 - Public Offices - 1910", "page_number": 331, "title": "CO129-371 - Public Offices - 1910", "content_text": "CO 329\n\n[This Document is the Property of His Britannic Majesty's Government]\n\nPren REG 24 10 [B]\n\nCHINA RAILWAYS.\n\nCONFIDENTIAL.\n\n[February 10.]\n\nSECTION 1,\n\n[4811]\n\n(No. 59.) Sir,\n\nNo. 1.\n\nSir Edward Grey to Mr. Bryce.\n\nForeign Office, February 10, 1910.\n\nI TOLD the United States Ambassador on the 7th instant that, while he had been absent, the Chinchow-Tsitsihar railway project had passed into a new phase. The proposal now was to build a railway from Chinchow to Aigun. I had found that the Russian Government considered that such a line would affect their interests in the north, just as the previous project would have affected Japanese interests in the south. The Russian Government said that if such a railway should pass into hostile hands their strategical position would be very much prejudiced, and they would be obliged to spend a great deal of money for defensive purposes in their own territory. I had been obliged to admit that the Russian interests in this respect were entitled to as much consideration as the Japanese interests, and I had therefore asked M. Pokrovsky to let me know his views. Meanwhile, I had suspended all action with regard to the line until I should receive his views and consider them. It seemed clear to me that China could not possibly carry out the proposal for this line without entering into discussion with Russia and Japan.\n\nThe Ambassador told me that Mr. Knox still adhered to his view that the internationalisation of all the railways in Manchuria would be the best solution of this and other difficulties.\n\nI said that we had agreed to this in principle when it was first mentioned to us, but at the same time we had advised that any project of this kind should be deferred. It now appeared that Japan and Russia would not be willing to internationalise the railways of which they had leases, seeing that the interests they had in these lines were the result of the expenditure of much blood and treasure on their part. I had not discussed the general proposal for internationalisation with Japan and Russia, but I understood that they had given their replies to the United States Government direct. I felt sure that, even if they agreed to internationalise new railways in Manchuria, they would wish to reserve those which they already leased and in which they were especially interested.\n\nThe Ambassador explained that, in Mr. Knox's view, if Russia and Japan retained control of the railways in which they were interested the policy of the \"open door\" was a dead letter, and this was a violation of the spirit of the Treaty of Portsmouth.\n\nI replied that it would certainly be a violation of the policy of the \"open door\" if Japan or Russia were to give preferential rates to Japanese or Russian traders on railways in Manchuria; but so long as they maintained equal rates for everyone, I thought the fact of their retaining leases which they had acquired before the making of the Portsmouth Treaty could hardly be regarded as inconsistent with the general policy of the \"open door.\"\n\nThe Ambassador seemed to be under the impression that Russia was still claiming jurisdiction over foreigners in territory 75 miles wide and some hundreds of miles long. In reply to an observation of mine that I thought their attitude had been modified, he expressed doubt as to this being the case.\n\nI am, &c.\n\nE. GREY.\n\n[2631 k-1]", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-371 - Public Offices - 1910.txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 428407, "series_id": 27, "series_slug": "histsyn-co129-engine", "series_title": "CO129 Colonial Office Hong Kong Records 理藩院香港檔案", "series_use_hku_proxy": false, "document_key": "CO129-371 - Public Offices - 1910", "page_number": 332, "title": "CO129-371 - Public Offices - 1910", "content_text": "[This Document is the Property of His Britannic Majesty's Government\n\nCHINA RAILWAYS,\n\nCONFIDENTIAL.\n\nReceived 330 Rro? 24 FEB 10\n\n[February 10.]\n\nSECTION 2.\n\n(No. 29. Confidential.) Sir,\n\nNo. 1.\n\nSir Edward Grey to Sir C. MacDonald.\n\nForeign Office, February 10, 1910.\n\nI INFORMED the Japanese Ambassador on the 8th instant of my telegram No. 23 of the 5th February to Mr. Max Müller, in order that I might keep him informed of the latest stage of the proposal for the Chinchow-Aigun Railway as far as we were concerned.\n\nThe Ambassador then said that he had had a telegram from his Government, of which he was instructed to inform me confidentially. In view of the identity of interests between Japan and Russia in this region, the Japanese Government had entered into communication with the Russian Government, and the latter had now warned the Chinese Government, as the Japanese Government had previously done, against proceeding with the Chinchow-Aigun Railway without consulting Russia and Japan.\n\nThe Japanese Government thought that the time had come for making a more definite communication to China. They had therefore sent an instruction to their Minister in Peking to the following effect: Though the Japanese Government considered that the Chinchow-Aigun Railway might prejudicially affect the interests of the South Manchurian line, yet, as the railway was intended by China to develop Manchuria and Mongolia, they would agree to its construction on the following conditions: Japan should have a share in providing the funds, engineers, materials, and contracts for the making of the railway.\n\nThe manner and extent of this participation should be arranged between the Japanese Government and the other Governments interested in the making of the line. The Chinese Government should agree to the construction of a branch line from some point on the Chinchow-Aigun Railway towards the south-east, forming a connection with the South Manchurian Railway.\n\nThe method by which this branch should be constructed and the exact point of connection should be settled between the Chinese and Japanese Governments. It should be understood that the Japanese Government had consented to the construction of the Chinchow-Aigun line, in spite of the fact that it might prove prejudicial to the South Manchurian Railway, on the assumption that the proposed line would run from Chinchow to Tonanfu and then to the north, keeping always at a certain distance from the South Manchurian Railway.\n\nThey wished, therefore, to make it a condition that, if any alteration in the proposed route was to be made, they should be consulted upon it.\n\nThe Japanese Ambassador pointed out to me that his Government had advanced further than the Russian Government with regard to this line. His Government had stated definitely that they would consent to the construction of the line and the conditions on which they would consent. The Russian Government, on the other hand, had not yet said whether they would consent or not on any conditions.\n\nI thanked the Ambassador for the communication, and told him that, as a matter of fact, M. Isvolsky had reproached us for not having said anything to him sooner about the railway proposal, and had reminded us of our agreement of 1899 with Russia binding us not to support proposals for railways running towards the north.\n\nForce of circumstances had, I thought, made this agreement rather a dead letter, but, as I had so far not supported this proposal, and had, on hearing that Russian interests were affected, been quite ready to suspend action until I knew the Russian views, I regarded the discussion of the 1899 agreement as rather academic.\n\nI had explained to M. Isvolsky how our discussion with Japan about this proposal had grown gradually out of our discussion about the Fakuinen proposal, and he had practically hinted that he would like us to do as much at Peking with regard to Russian interests as I had done there with regard to Japanese participation. This seemed to me not unreasonable, and I had therefore sent the telegram of which I had told the Japanese Ambassador to-day.\n\n[2631 -2]", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-371 - Public Offices - 1910.txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 428408, "series_id": 27, "series_slug": "histsyn-co129-engine", "series_title": "CO129 Colonial Office Hong Kong Records 理藩院香港檔案", "series_use_hku_proxy": false, "document_key": "CO129-371 - Public Offices - 1910", "page_number": 333, "title": "CO129-371 - Public Offices - 1910", "content_text": "[This Document is the Property of His Britannic Majesty's Government.]\n\nCO\n\n331\n\n5654\n\n2\n\nThe Ambassador remarked that it was quite possible, in view of the understandings between Russia and Japan about Manchuria, that his Government also had been reproached by the Russian Government for not having said anything to them sooner. He seemed, however, to be quite satisfied with the position which we now all respectively occupied with regard to each other, though he emphasized the fact that the Japanese attitude towards the Chinchow-Aigun Railway was in advance of that which Russia had adopted so far.\n\nI am, &c.\n\nE. GREY.\n\nAFFAIRS OF CHINA.\n\nCONFIDENTIAL.\n\n[44964]\n\nNo. 1.\n\n[December\n\nSECTION 1.\n\nFEB 10\n\nSir J. Jordan to Sir Edward Grey.-(Received December 10.)\n\nPeking, December 10, 1909.\n\n(No. 192.) (Telegraphic.) P. MACAO. The Wai-wu Pu declare that they have no official information as to the landing of Chinese troops on Dom João, which forms the subject of enquiry in your telegram No. 195 of yesterday's date. From the Portuguese I learn that the Chinese landed some 200 or 400 men on the morning of the 7th instant, the declared object being the arrest of escaped criminals. The troops left the same day at noon. I have not yet received a report on the subject from His Majesty's consul-general at Canton in reply to a telegraphic enquiry sent to him yesterday.\n\nMy Portuguese colleague made an official request for arbitration on the 8th instant. In accordance with your instructions, I saw the Ministers of the Wai-wu Pu to-day, and strongly supported the Portuguese proposal. They stated, however, that the question was one which concerned Portugal and China alone; it involved complicated local interests, and arbitration was, in their opinion, an ineffectual means of dealing with the same satisfactorily. On these grounds, therefore, they had now definitely decided to reply to the Portuguese request in the negative.\n\nThis decision will, I understand, shortly be communicated to the Portuguese chargé d'affaires.\n\n[2548 k--1]", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-371 - Public Offices - 1910.txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 428421, "series_id": 27, "series_slug": "histsyn-co129-engine", "series_title": "CO129 Colonial Office Hong Kong Records 理藩院香港檔案", "series_use_hku_proxy": false, "document_key": "CO129-371 - Public Offices - 1910", "page_number": 346, "title": "CO129-371 - Public Offices - 1910", "content_text": "344\n\n[This Document is\n\nthe Property of His Britannic Majesty's Government\n\n5654\n\nReceived\n\nRec'd 24 DEC 10\n\nCHINA RAILWAYS.\n\n[December 18.]\n\nCONFIDENTIAL.\n\nSeries 3,\n\n[45949]\n\nNo. 1\n\nSir J. Jordan to Sir Edward Grey -(Received December 18.)\n\nPeking, December 18, 1909.\n\n(No. 198.) (Telegraphic.) P.\n\nI WAS informed to-day by the American chargé d'affaires that he intends to lay before the Wai-wu Pu on the 20th instant an official proposal on the part of his Government, suggesting the internationalisation of all railways in Manchuria. Mr. Fletcher stated that His Majesty's Government had expressed their approval of the proposal in principle.\n\nHe was anxious to know whether I had received instructions to use my influence with the Chinese Government in order to secure Japanese participation in the Chinchow-Aigun Railway, as he was in receipt of instructions to support me in this direction. Before making any such suggestion formally to the Chinese Government he thought it would be advisable to acquaint the Japanese Minister verbally with our intentions, and proposed that we should jointly speak to Mr. Ijuin in that sense.\n\n[2538 -3]", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-371 - Public Offices - 1910.txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 428423, "series_id": 27, "series_slug": "histsyn-co129-engine", "series_title": "CO129 Colonial Office Hong Kong Records 理藩院香港檔案", "series_use_hku_proxy": false, "document_key": "CO129-371 - Public Offices - 1910", "page_number": 348, "title": "CO129-371 - Public Offices - 1910", "content_text": "This Document is the Property of His Britannic Majesty's Government.\n\n# CHINA RAILWAYS\n\n## CONFIDENTIAL\n\n[December 21st]\n\n## SECTION 4\n\n346\n\n5654\n\nREG24TEB10)\n\n[46382]\n\nNo. 1.\n\nSir C. MacDonald to Sir Edward Grey.-(Received December 21.)\n\n(No. 75. Very Confidential.)\n\n(Telegraphic.) P.\n\nTokyo, December 21, 1909.\n\nINTERNATIONALISATION of railways in Manchuria. Please refer to my telegram No. 74 of the 20th December last. Yesterday evening United States Ambassador spoke to me on the subject of this proposal, which he informed me he had sent to Count Komura that afternoon by instructions from his Government.\n\nMr. O'Brien said that as participation in the Aigun-Chinchow Railway was desired by the Japanese Government, and as financing and construction of railways in other parts of China were being shared in by other Powers, the United States Government thought that this arrangement could with advantage be extended to the Manchurian railways also. He had more than once in conversation with Minister for Foreign Affairs put forward the suggestion that as Japan was in want of money she might with advantage sell her rights in the Manchurian railway. I said that I did not think proposal would be favourably received by the Japanese Government, to whom railways in China meant more than money.\n\n[2538 2-4]", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-371 - Public Offices - 1910.txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 428426, "series_id": 27, "series_slug": "histsyn-co129-engine", "series_title": "CO129 Colonial Office Hong Kong Records 理藩院香港檔案", "series_use_hku_proxy": false, "document_key": "CO129-371 - Public Offices - 1910", "page_number": 351, "title": "CO129-371 - Public Offices - 1910", "content_text": "This Document is the Property of His Britannic Majesty's Government.\n\nCHINA RAILWAYS.\n\nCONFIDENTIAL.\n\nNo. 1.\n\n(January 3rd, 1910)\n\nSECTION 6.\n\n24 FEB 10\n\nSir J. Jordan to Sir Edward Grey.-(Received January 31.)\n\n(No. 13. Confidential.) Sir,\n\nPeking, January 8, 1910.\n\nI HAD the honour to receive on the 29th December your telegram No. 204, in which you informed me that I was authorised to concert with the United States chargé d'affaires in endeavouring to induce China to accept Japanese participation in the Chinchow-Aigun railway project.\n\nMy United States colleague, who had been making enquiries on the subject for a few days previously, was duly informed of the receipt of these instructions, and we agreed, as suggested in my telegram No. 198 of the 18th December, to make a joint verbal communication to our Japanese colleague before taking any action with the Wai-wu Pu.\n\nMr. Fletcher and I accordingly called upon the Japanese Minister on the 31st December, and explained fully to Mr. Ijuin the nature and scope of the instructions we had severally received. Mr. Fletcher reviewed the measures which his Government had taken in connection with the proposal for the internationalisation of Manchurian railways, and stated that while the Chinchow-Aigun project had been included in the general scheme which had been submitted to Japan and the other interested Powers, it had been subordinated to the main proposal in his communications with the Chinese Government. He had furnished the Wai-wu Pu with a memorandum on the subject on the 21st December, and he proposed to send them a supplementary note dealing more especially with the Chinchow-Aigun project. In this he would state that if the larger and more comprehensive scheme was found to be impracticable, the same object might perhaps be gradually attained by participation in the Chinchow-Aigun project and using it as a basis for the absorption on commercial lines of other Manchurian railways.\n\nI explained to Mr. Ijuin that my instructions did not, I conceived, embrace the larger scheme of which Mr. Fletcher had spoken, but merely authorised me to do what I could to persuade the Chinese Government that the Japanese claim to participation in the Chinchow-Aigun line was one which could reasonably be conceded. Mr. Ijuin thanked us for our communication. He said that he had received information but no instructions with regard to the larger proposal put forward by the United States Government. His instructions respecting the Chinchow-Aigun enterprise dated some time back, and he would have to ask for fresh ones, but he could at once say that our proposal to urge the advisability of Japanese participation upon the Chinese Government had his cordial approval. He had told the Wai-wu Pu that Japan would wish to be consulted before the matter was finally arranged. Personally, he thought it would be advisable to keep the project, as far as possible, a British-American one. Russia had possibly a claim to a voice in the matter, but the inclusion of other Powers would, he feared, only complicate matters and not facilitate the practical execution of the undertaking.\n\nSome days later Mr. Fletcher furnished me with the enclosed copy of a note which he had addressed to the Wai-wu Pu on the 31st December in the sense of the language which he had used in speaking with the Japanese Minister, and yesterday he and I had an interview on the subject with his Excellency Liang Tun-yen at the Wai-wu Pu, in which our observations followed largely the lines of our previous interview with the Japanese Minister.\n\nMr. Fletcher explained the American scheme for the internationalisation of all Manchurian railways, and stated that Great Britain and Germany had expressed their agreement with the proposal. The Chinchow-Aigun line might, however, be utilised as an alternative measure for the gradual attainment of the same object, and he suggested that the Chinese Government should proceed to ratify the Chinchow-Aigun preliminary agreement. He asked that if the Chinese Government hesitated to", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-371 - Public Offices - 1910.txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 428427, "series_id": 27, "series_slug": "histsyn-co129-engine", "series_title": "CO129 Colonial Office Hong Kong Records 理藩院香港檔案", "series_use_hku_proxy": false, "document_key": "CO129-371 - Public Offices - 1910", "page_number": 352, "title": "CO129-371 - Public Offices - 1910", "content_text": "350 565\n\n2\n\ncommit themselves to an Imperial decree, they should, in their reply to his note, formally affirm their willingness to have the line constructed with British and American assistance. Such other nations as China was willing to admit might then be invited to participate in terms of the preliminary agreement.\n\nLiang Ta-jen said that the Chinese Government had quite decided to go on with the Chinchow-Aigun project, but that there were some details in the preliminary agreement which required to be adjusted. China would gladly welcome any scheme which would restore to her her sovereign rights over Manchurian railways, but there were so many “ifs\" connected with the various proposals that he felt some difficulty in giving any definite answer about matters whose relation to each other was not altogether clear to him.\n\nI said that my instructions had special reference to the Chinchow-Aigun project, in which it seemed to His Majesty's Government that China might reasonably concede a certain degree of participation to Japan in order to smooth over possible difficulties and accelerate the completion of the agreement. The participation which would satisfy Japan would probably be such as China could grant without in any way impairing her sovereign rights or prejudicing her position in Manchuria.\n\nLiang said that nothing could be decided until they knew what Japan's terms really were. The Japanese Minister had merely intimated to them that his Government desired to be consulted in the matter, but had made no reference to participation. He added that he did not see why Japan and Russia should be admitted to participation in the Chinchow-Aigun line unless they were prepared to make some equivalent concessions, either by adhering to the general scheme of railway internationalisation, or by waiving some of their vested interests in Manchurian railways. It seemed to him that the acceptance or rejection of the larger scheme would depend largely upon the attitude of Great Britain, whose advice could not fail to influence Japan. While repeating that I had no authority to discuss the larger scheme, I remarked that I could not altogether share his sanguine estimate of the weight which British advice would carry in such a question with the Japanese Government.\n\nLiang Ta-jen asked whether America and Great Britain would be prepared to go on with the construction of this line in the event of China refusing to allow Japan and Russia to participate, In reply, I referred to the troubles which had arisen over the Fakumen line, and which had ended in the arrangement of September last. It was to forestall all difficulties of this kind, and to obviate the possibility of a similar result, that we now made the friendly suggestion for admitting Japanese participation.\n\nMr. Fletcher replied that he could not say what the United States Government would do in such a case, but his private opinion was that they were prepared to go through with the undertaking, although they considered it better to include all interested parties.\n\nLiang finally promised to consult Prince Ching and his colleagues, and let Mr. Fletcher have a reply to his communications.\n\nThe Japanese Minister, to whom I communicated the result of the interview to-day, informed me that he had received instructions that his Government would not object to the construction of this line on condition that Japanese participation was granted by China. Japan could not take the initiative in urging participation upon China, but she was prepared to discuss the terms of such participation with China. I mentioned that Liang Ta-jen had expressed a wish to know the terms, and Mr. Ijuin said he would telegraph for instructions on this point.\n\nI am inclined to think that the Chinese Government may be disposed to make the completion of the Chinchow-Aigun Agreement dependent upon the degree of support which the larger scheme obtains from the Powers, and that it might have been wiser to defer the consideration of the latter proposal, which, I confess, appears to me to be of an impracticable character at present, until something definite had been arranged about the railway, to the construction of which the Chinese Government were more or less committed.\n\nI have, &c.\n\nJ. N. JORDAN.\n\n3\n\nEnclosure in No. 1.\n\nUnited States Charge d'Affaires to Prince Ch'ing.\n\nReceived 24 FEB 10\n\nYour Imperial Highness,\n\nDecember 31, 1909.\n\nI HAD the honour to present to your Highness's board on the 21st instant a memorandum in the following terms:-\n\n\"On the 2nd October their Excellencies the Viceroy of Manchuria and the Governor of Fengtien signed, with the representatives of the American Banking Group and Pauling Company, an English firm, an agreement providing for the financing, construction, and operation of a railway from Chinchow to Aigun. The Government of the United States is prepared to support and facilitate this enterprise, which it believes would greatly contribute to the progress and commercial development of China.\n\n\"There are already in operation in Manchuria three separate and distinct railway systems, under Russian, Japanese, and Chinese direction. The co-operation between these three systems is not so close, nor are the economic benefits derived from their operation so great, as would be the case if all were under the same administration. Political questions have also arisen in connection with the contracts under which certain of these railways are operated. It seems, therefore, to the Government of the United States that perhaps the most effective way to preserve the undisturbed enjoyment by the Chinese Government of all political rights in Manchuria, and to promote the development of those provinces under a practical application of the policy of the open door' and equal commercial opportunity, would be to bring the existing and contemplated Manchurian railways under an economic, scientific, and impartial administration by some plan vesting in China the ownership of the railways through funds furnished for that purpose by the interested Powers willing to participate.\n\n\"The loan necessary for this purpose should be for a period ample to make it reasonably certain that it could be met within the time fixed, and should be upon such terms as would make it attractive to bankers and investors. It would also be provided that nationals of the participating Powers should supervise the railroad systems during the term of the loan, and the Governments concerned should enjoy for such period the usual preferences for their nationals and materials upon an equitable basis among themselves.\n\n\"The execution of this plan would, of course, require the co-operation of China and of Japan and Russia, the reversionary and concessionnaires respectively of the existing Manchurian railways, as well as that of Great Britain and the United States, whose special interests are in connection with the contemplated Chinchow-Aigun Railway.\n\n\"It is scarcely necessary to point out to the Imperial Chinese Government the immense advantages to China which would result from the plan above proposed. The ownership of all lines in Manchuria would become vested in China, and with such investiture all political questions which have arisen in connection with lines now in operation or in course of construction would be definitely settled. The Manchurian railways being thus welded into one system would become a vastly more efficient agency in the commercial, industrial, and agricultural development of those provinces.\n\n\"The Government of the United States would learn with pleasure that this project meets with the favourable consideration of the Imperial Chinese Government.”\n\nOn the 24th instant I was informed by their Excellencies Na-t'ung and Liang Tun-yen, Presidents of the Board of Foreign Affairs, that the project above outlined met with the favourable consideration of your Highness's Government,\n\nThis suggestion, which has for its object the commercial neutralisation of the three Eastern provinces, has also been made to the various Governments likely to interest themselves in the project, and their replies will be, in due course, communicated to the Imperial Chinese Government.\n\nThe Government of the United States regards the Chinchow-Aigun Railway-- the preliminary agreement for the financing, construction, and operation of which was signed last October--as an important factor in the proposed plan. For should it transpire that the larger and more comprehensive project for the repurchase by China of all the Manchurian railways be found not possible in its entirety at this time, the desired end may approximately be attained by the construction of the Chinchow-Aigun line by China under said arrangement, and by inviting, as provided therein, the", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-371 - Public Offices - 1910.txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 428428, "series_id": 27, "series_slug": "histsyn-co129-engine", "series_title": "CO129 Colonial Office Hong Kong Records 理藩院香港檔案", "series_use_hku_proxy": false, "document_key": "CO129-371 - Public Offices - 1910", "page_number": 353, "title": "CO129-371 - Public Offices - 1910", "content_text": "4\n\nPowers friendly to complete commercial neutralisation of Manchuria to participate in the financing and construction of not only the Chinchow-Aigun line, but also of such additional lines as the future commercial development of this region may demand, and at the same time the supply of funds for the purchase by China of such of the existing lines of railway as might be offered for sale to China and which would be included in her Manchurian railway system.\n\nThe Government of the United States would therefore be pleased to learn that its suggestion with regard to the Chinchow-Aigun Railway also meets with the approval of your Highness's Government, and that the proper arrangements may be undertaken to make the same effective.\n\n[This Document is the Property of His Britannic Majesty's Government.]\n\nCHINA RAILWAYS.\n\nCONFIDENTIAL.\n\n[3909]\n\nNo. 1.\n\nC O\n\n351\n\n5654\n\n[February\n\nREC 24 FEB 10. SECTION 6.\n\nI avail, &c.\n\nHENRY P. FLETCHER.\n\nPapers communicated by Mr. C. S. Addis February 2, 1910.\n\n(1.)\n\nDear Herr Urbig,\n\nMr. C. S. Addis to Herr Urbig.\n\nHong Kong and Shanghae Bank, London, February 2, 1910.\n\nI RECEIVED last night the enclosed telegram from Hillier. The issue of an Imperial edict inviting applications for concessions on the Hupeh section of the Hukuang railways is a different matter altogether from an unofficial advertisement for tenders in an obscure native paper, and demands immediate action.\n\nI have reason to believe that instructions are to be cabled to the British Minister to associate himself with his German, French, and American colleagues in a joint protest against this flagrant disregard by the Chinese Government of our international agreement of the 6th June.\n\nI trust that it may have been found expedient by the German, French, and American Governments to issue similar instructions to their respective Ministers in Peking.\n\nBelieve me, &c.\n\n(2)\n\nC. S. ADDIS.\n\n(Telegraphic.)\n\nMr. Hillier to Mr. C. S. Addis.\n\nPeking, February 1, 1910. IMPERIAL edict has been issued instructing Yuchuanpu to note applications received from native capitalists for concessions Hupeh section Hankow-Canton Railway, Hankow-Szechuen Railway. Foregoing ignores agreements concluded the 6th June. Failure to protest promptly will probably result in concessions definitely given to native capitalists. Deutsch-Asiatische Bank, Banque de l'Indo-Chine, W. D. Straight are telegraphing similarly.\n\n(3.)\n\nM. Simon to Mr. C. S. Addis.\n\nCher Mr. Addis,\n\nParis, le 1 février, 1910. JE suis entièrement du même avis que vous en ce qui concerne notre participation dans la ligne Tchin-tchéou-Aigun. Nous ne pouvons qu'attendre les ouvertures qui seront faites, sans aucun doute, soit par le Gouvernement américain auprès de nos Gouvernements, soit par Messrs. Morgan auprès de nous-mêmes. Ainsi que je vous l'ai écrit déjà, notre Ministre des Affaires Etrangères estime qu'il n'y a aucune difficulté à prévoir en ce qui nous concerne dans cette affaire.\n\nCroyez-moi, &c.\n\nSAINT-SIMON.\n\nP.S.-Je vous remercie de la communication que vous avez bien voulu me faire de votre lettre du 31 janvier à Herr Urbig. Les motifs que vous donnez pour expliquer notre abstention sont bien en effet ceux que j'avais aperçus, et je ne puis que confirmer mon opinion à ce sujet.\n\n[2631 6-6]\n\nS.", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-371 - Public Offices - 1910.txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 428432, "series_id": 27, "series_slug": "histsyn-co129-engine", "series_title": "CO129 Colonial Office Hong Kong Records 理藩院香港檔案", "series_use_hku_proxy": false, "document_key": "CO129-371 - Public Offices - 1910", "page_number": 357, "title": "CO129-371 - Public Offices - 1910", "content_text": "This Document is the Property of His Britannic Majesty's Government\n\nPage 355\n\nCHINA RAILWAYS.\n\nCONFIDENTIAL.\n\nFebruary 5,\n\n24 FEB 1910\n\nSECTION 2\n\n[4206]\n\n(No. 23.)\n\nNo. 1.\n\nSir Edward Grey to Mr. Max Müller.\n\n(Telegraphic.) R.\n\nCHINCHOW-AIGUN Railway.\n\nForeign Office, February 5, 1910. You should remind Chinese Government of our view that Japanese participation was desired in Chinchow-Tsitsihar line, and add that since project has assumed its final form of a Chinchow-Aigun Railway Russia has expressed a desire to be consulted, and that we take the same view favourable to Russia being consulted that we did with regard to Japan. You should warn Chinese Government of impossibility of ignoring Russian and Japanese interests and arriving at a final arrangement without consulting them.\n\nYou can inform your American colleague of this instruction. Repeat to Tokyo.\n\n(Repeated to St. Petersburgh, No. 65, with the following addition: \"You should inform M. Isvolsky of substance of this telegram.\")\n\nPage 356", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-371 - Public Offices - 1910.txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 428435, "series_id": 27, "series_slug": "histsyn-co129-engine", "series_title": "CO129 Colonial Office Hong Kong Records 理藩院香港檔案", "series_use_hku_proxy": false, "document_key": "CO129-371 - Public Offices - 1910", "page_number": 360, "title": "CO129-371 - Public Offices - 1910", "content_text": "[This Document is the Property of His Britannic Majesty's Government.]\n\n[B]\n\n# CHINA RAILWAYS.\n\nCO 358/5654 [February 8.]\n\n**CONFIDENTIAL.**\n\nSECTION 24 FEB 10\n\n[4508]\n\nNo. 1.\n\nSir C. MacDonald to Sir Edward Grey-(Received February 8.)\n\n(No. 4. Secret.) Sir,\n\nTokyo, January 6, 1910. IN my despatch No. 375 of the 26th December, 1909, I reported the views of the Japanese Government with regard to the American proposal respecting the internationalisation of railways in Manchuria; at the conclusion of that despatch I stated that I was still unaware whether the United States Government had approached His Majesty's Government on the internationalisation question.\n\nOn the 30th December Sir John Jordan repeated to me your telegram to him No. 204, stating that His Majesty's Government had been approached, and had replied that the general principle of this internationalisation commended itself to the Government of His Majesty so far as equal commercial opportunity and the open-door policy was concerned, but it seemed undesirable to consider the question of another international loan for railway undertakings until the Hukuang loan had been completed. To this the United States Government had replied on the 16th December that they considered no time should be lost in placing their proposal before the Powers interested, and that instructions would at once be issued to the American representatives at Paris, Berlin, St. Petersburgh, Peking, and Tokyo in the above sense. They further said in their reply that they were quite prepared to join His Majesty's Government as a preliminary step in urging China to consent to participation in the Chinchow-Tsitsihar-Aigun Railway by Japan and other Powers interested.\n\nIn the Foreign Office bag received here on the 30th ultimo I observed in the Confidential Print the American memorandum of the 9th November and the reply of His Majesty's Government dated the 25th November. I am therefore now in possession of all the facts, and would venture to make a few observations on the internationalisation proposal put forward by the American Government. At the New Year's reception at the Palace I had a further conversation with Count Komura, who repeated the declaration he had made to me at our previous meeting on Christmas Day, to the effect that the Japanese Government would decline to consider internationalisation in so far as the South Manchurian, the Mukden-Antung, and the Kirin-Hoiryong Railways were concerned, for reasons fully set forth in my above-quoted despatch. In a subsequent conversation I had with Marquis Katsura, the Prime Minister, his Excellency confirmed the statement made by the Minister for Foreign Affairs, and added the somewhat interesting piece of information that this question of internationalisation of Chinese railways had been first mooted by the late railway magnate, Mr. Harriman, when on a visit to Tokyo in 1905; but the Japanese Government had even then refused to entertain it. Mr. Rockhill, American representative, and Mr. Harriman had doubtless discussed the matter in Peking, and the former gentleman had seemingly always kept the idea before him, for he was believed to be the prime mover in the matter now.\n\nIt is difficult to fathom the intentions of the American Government in now bringing forward this scheme, unless—which is more than probable—they are jealous and alarmed at the manner in which Japan is making her position secure in Manchuria, for it must be evident to them that internationalisation could or would not be entertained by the Japanese. The Treaty of Portsmouth, to which they were the first to give their assent, must clearly have shown them the value the Japanese set on the South Manchurian Railway; they must have been equally aware of the provisions of the Peking Protocol of 1905—secret at the time, but, so far as article 6 is concerned, for some considerable time no longer so. The action taken by the Japanese last summer in threatening to commence the construction of the Antung-Mukden line, and the carrying out of the provisions of the said article 6 with or without permission of China, must have shown to the whole world the importance the Japanese set by this line. The terms of the agreement of the 3rd September last,\n\n[2631 -1]\n\nPage 360\n\nPage 361", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-371 - Public Offices - 1910.txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 428436, "series_id": 27, "series_slug": "histsyn-co129-engine", "series_title": "CO129 Colonial Office Hong Kong Records 理藩院香港檔案", "series_use_hku_proxy": false, "document_key": "CO129-371 - Public Offices - 1910", "page_number": 361, "title": "CO129-371 - Public Offices - 1910", "content_text": "## made between China and Japan, which was communicated to the Powers, must have made it clear that Japan contemplated a third railway, which, like the other two, was meant to make her position in Manchuria secure, and so render any attempt on Corea, over which she has now established a definite protectorate, practically impossible. This has been her definite policy since Russia, with the assistance of France and Germany, made her relinquish her hold on Port Arthur in 1904; this was her first set-back and humiliation. Were she now forced to consent to internationalise the South Manchurian Railway, which she has gained at the expense of a war from the effect of which she has not yet recovered, and the two other railways, all designed to keep her powerful western neighbour at a respectful distance, it would be a second set-back even greater than the first.\n\nAs to the western neighbour above mentioned, it is, I think, sometimes forgotten to what extent, and how thoroughly had Russia, the world looking on and saying nothing, converted Manchuria into a province of her own, and there is little doubt that Japan would have acquiesced in this arrangement, much as she disliked it, had Russia kept her hands off Korea. Is it therefore to be wondered at that she should now strain every nerve to make her position secure in Manchuria, and prevent a repetition of the history of the last fifteen years in this corner of the Far East. As to the policy of the open door and equal commercial opportunity for all in Manchuria, here whatever may have been her intentions Japan has been so carefully watched that the opportunity has gone to those who have known best how to use it, and the door has been kept open. It has, even in these few years since the war, been conclusively proved that the Japanese, commercially and industrially, are no match whatever for the Chinese, and even European undertakings have prospered, where, notwithstanding advantages geographical and otherwise, Japanese have not.\n\nBut politically and in the matter of these strategic railways the door is not open and Japan is not going to allow it to be opened by internationalisation or any other means. You were good enough to cause Sir John Jordan to forward to me a telegram he had received from you, No. 205 of 1909, repeating a telegram, No. 513, from His Majesty's representative in St. Petersburgh; in this Sir Arthur Nicolson reported that M. Isvolsky had spoken to him regarding the internationalisation memorandum he had received from the American representative, which was practically identical with the one His Majesty's Government had received on the 9th November. M. Isvolsky stated that he would be curious to know what views the Japanese Government would take of the scheme which he thought was a vast one and one which would require very careful study on the part of the Russian Government.\n\nIf I am not mistaken M. Isvolsky has by now received from the Russian representative here a very clear indication of the views held by the Japanese Government, for in the course of a long conversation I had this morning with M. Malewsky, His Excellency showed very clearly that he was fully alive to the strategical importance to Japan of these three railways, and had also sounded Count Komura on the subject of the American memorandum the gist of which had been telegraphed from St. Petersburgh; the Minister for Foreign Affairs gave the Russian Ambassador to understand that the Japanese would not view the nationalisation with favour. M. Malewsky spoke very openly on the subject and I should say the Russian Government would not give the American memorandum any real support, though they might approve in \"principle.\" In this connection it must be remembered that by a secret convention signed in July 1907 Japan and Russia have agreed upon their respective spheres of influence in Manchuria and the three railways lie well within the Japanese sphere. Sir Arthur Nicolson in the telegrams above quoted mentions that M. Isvolsky also spoke on the subject of the Chinchow-Tsitsihar-Aigun railway which he regarded in a serious light, in that China was also under obligations to Russia which would be affected by the construction of such a railway.\n\nM. Malewsky seemed much more perturbed about the construction of this railway than with regard to the American memorandum; he pointed out that for a considerable part of its course it would run through desert, and could under no circumstances repay the cost of construction. His Excellency asked somewhat anxiously, \"What was this 'Paulings'\" and required some reassuring that they were bona fide contractors, and not a political association; he could not understand why they were so anxious to build a railway which would not pay if there was not some arrière-pensée in the matter. I said that so long as they got their pay, and I presume they would exact sufficient guarantee to this end, it was a matter of indifference to them whether the railway paid or not. I do not think my Russian colleague was quite satisfied, and I shall not be surprised if the Russian Government raise objections to the construction of this line.\n\nThe conduct of the sovereign Power, China, in these railway questions, as indeed in others regarding Manchuria, is neither dignified nor altogether easy to understand. The Chinese have signed agreements and conventions with Japan regarding certain railways in Manchuria, granting them special treatment, but according to the chargé d'affaires in Peking (Sir John Jordan's telegram to you, No. 198), the proposal to internationalise these same railways, that is, subject them to a totally different form of treatment, meets with the cordial approval of the Chinese Government.\n\nIt is also worthy of note that the said Government are aware that one of the objections to the Tsin-min-ting-Fakumen Railway was that it might be extended to Tsitsihar, and thereby compete seriously with the South Manchurian Railway by diverting traffic of all kinds from the west on to the Chinese line; having by a convention signed last September with Japan agreed not to construct the railway, they almost immediately sign an agreement with an Anglo-American combination to construct a line also tapping the Siberian Railway at Tsitsihar to bring the western traffic away from the South Manchurian and so containing the same objection which attached to the other project, though perhaps in not so marked a degree.\n\nI have, &c.\n\nCLAUDE M. MacDONALD.\n\n359", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-371 - Public Offices - 1910.txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 428439, "series_id": 27, "series_slug": "histsyn-co129-engine", "series_title": "CO129 Colonial Office Hong Kong Records 理藩院香港檔案", "series_use_hku_proxy": false, "document_key": "CO129-371 - Public Offices - 1910", "page_number": 364, "title": "CO129-371 - Public Offices - 1910", "content_text": "This Document is the Property of His Britannic Majesty's Government\n\nCHINA RAILWAYS.\n\nCONFIDENTIAL.\n\nFebruary 9, 1910\n\nNo. 51.\n\nSir,\n\nSir Edward Grey to Sir J. Jordan.\n\nForeign Office, February 9, 1910.\n\nI HAVE received your despatch No. 13, Confidential, of the 8th ultimo, reporting the steps taken by you, in concert with your United States colleague, to induce the Chinese Government to accept Japanese participation in the Chinchow-Aigun Railway scheme.\n\nYour action in the matter and the language held by you both to Mr. Fletcher and to his Excellency Liang Sun-Yen at the Wai-wu Pu are approved.\n\nI observe that, in explaining the United States proposals for the internationalisation of the Manchurian railways to Mr. Liang, Mr. Fletcher stated that both Great Britain and Germany had expressed their agreement in the scheme. As you are aware, His Majesty's Government have merely expressed their agreement with the proposal in principle, but no information has reached me in regard to the attitude of Germany, nor has there been any exchange of views on the subject between the two Governments. It would be unfortunate if Mr. Fletcher were to give the impression that there had been any understanding or co-operation between London and Berlin in the matter.\n\nI &c.\n\nE. GREY.", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-371 - Public Offices - 1910.txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 428440, "series_id": 27, "series_slug": "histsyn-co129-engine", "series_title": "CO129 Colonial Office Hong Kong Records 理藩院香港檔案", "series_use_hku_proxy": false, "document_key": "CO129-371 - Public Offices - 1910", "page_number": 365, "title": "CO129-371 - Public Offices - 1910", "content_text": "[B]\n\n[This Document is the Property of His Britannic Majesty]\n\nCHINA RAILWAYS,\n\nCONFIDENTIAL.\n\n14811]\n\nNo. I.\n\n363\n\n5654\n\n(February 10\n\nSECTION 1.\n\nRecd FEB 10\n\n(No. 59.)\n\nSir,\n\nSir Edward Grey to Mr. Bryce.\n\nForeign Office, February 10, 1910.\n\nI TOLD the United States Ambassador on the 7th instant that, while he had been absent, the Chinchow-Tsitsihar railway project had passed into a new phase. The proposal now was to build a railway from Chinchow to Aigun. I had found that the Russian Government considered that such a line would affect their interests in the north, just as the previous project would have affected Japanese interests in the south. The Russian Government said that if such a railway should pass into hostile hands their strategical position would be very much prejudiced, and they would be obliged to spend a great deal of money for defensive purposes in their own territory. I had been obliged to admit that the Russian interests in this respect were entitled to as much consideration as the Japanese interests, and I had therefore asked M. Isvolsky to let me know his views. Meanwhile, I had suspended all action with regard to the line until I should receive his views and consider them. It seemed clear to me that China could not possibly carry out the proposal for this line without entering into discussion with Russia and Japan.\n\nThe Ambassador told me that Mr. Knox still adhered to his view that the internationalisation of all the railways in Manchuria would be the best solution of this and other difficulties.\n\nI said that we had agreed to this in principle when it was first mentioned to us, but at the same time we had advised that any project of this kind should be deferred. It now appeared that Japan and Russia would not be willing to internationalise the railways of which they had leases, seeing that the interests they had in these lines were the result of the expenditure of much blood and treasure on their part. I had not discussed the general proposal for internationalisation with Japan and Russia, but I understood that they had given their replies to the United States Government direct. I felt sure that, even if they agreed to internationalise new railways in Manchuria, they would wish to reserve those which they already leased and in which they were especially interested.\n\nThe Ambassador explained that, in Mr. Knox's view, if Russia and Japan retained control of the railways in which they were interested the policy of the \"open door\" was a dead letter, and this was a violation of the spirit of the Treaty of Portsmouth.\n\nI replied that it would certainly be a violation of the policy of the \"open door\" if Japan or Russia were to give preferential rates to Japanese or Russian traders on railways in Manchuria; but so long as they maintained equal rates for everyone, I thought the fact of their retaining leases which they had acquired before the making of the Portsmouth Treaty could hardly be regarded as inconsistent with the general policy of the \"open door.\"\n\nThe Ambassador seemed to be under the impression that Russia was still claiming jurisdiction over foreigners in territory 75 miles wide and some hundreds of miles long. In reply to an observation of mine that I thought their attitude had been modified, he expressed doubt as to this being the case.\n\n[2631 k-1]\n\nI am,\n\n&c.\n\nE. GREY.\n\nPage 363", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-371 - Public Offices - 1910.txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 428441, "series_id": 27, "series_slug": "histsyn-co129-engine", "series_title": "CO129 Colonial Office Hong Kong Records 理藩院香港檔案", "series_use_hku_proxy": false, "document_key": "CO129-371 - Public Offices - 1910", "page_number": 366, "title": "CO129-371 - Public Offices - 1910", "content_text": "[This Document is the Property of His Britannic Majesty's Government.]\n\n[B]\n\n# CHINA RAILWAYS\n\n**CONFIDENTIAL**\n\n(4897)\n\nNo. 1.\n\n364\n\n5654\n\n[February 10]\n\nREGE 24 FEB 10 SECTION 2.\n\n(No. 20. Confidential.) Sir,\n\nSir Edward Grey to Sir C. MacDonald.\n\nForeign Office, February 10, 1910.\n\nI informed the Japanese Ambassador on the 8th instant of my telegram No. 23 of the 5th February to Mr. Max Müller, in order that I might keep him informed of the latest stage of the proposal for the Chiuchow-Aigun Railway as far as we were concerned.\n\nThe Ambassador then said that he had had a telegram from his Government, of which he was instructed to inform me confidentially. In view of the identity of interests between Japan and Russia in this region, the Japanese Government had entered into communication with the Russian Government, and the latter had now warned the Chinese Government, as the Japanese Government had previously done, against proceeding with the Chinchow-Aigun Railway without consulting Russia and Japan.\n\nThe Japanese Government thought that the time had come for making a more definite communication to China. They had therefore sent an instruction to their Minister in Peking to the following effect: Though the Japanese Government considered that the Chinchow-Aigun Railway might prejudicially affect the interests of the South Manchurian line, yet, as the railway was intended by China to develop Manchuria and Mongolia, they would agree to its construction on the following conditions: Japan should have a share in providing the funds, engineers, materials, and contracts for the making of the railway. The manner and extent of this participation should be arranged between the Japanese Government and the other Governments interested in the making of the line.\n\nThe Chinese Government should agree to the construction of a branch line from some point on the Chinchow-Aigun Railway towards the south-east, forming a connection with the South Manchurian Railway. The method by which this branch should be constructed and the exact point of connection should be settled between the Chinese and Japanese Governments.\n\nIt should be understood that the Japanese Government had consented to the construction of the Chinchow-Aigun line, in spite of the fact that it might prove prejudicial to the South Manchurian Railway, on the assumption that the proposed line would run from Chinchow to Tsaohoa and then to the north, keeping always at a certain distance from the South Manchurian Railway. They wished, therefore, to make it a condition that, if any alteration in the proposed route was to be made, they should be consulted upon it.\n\nThe Japanese Ambassador pointed out to me that his Government had advanced further than the Russian Government with regard to this line. His Government had stated definitely that they would consent to the construction of the line and the conditions on which they would consent. The Russian Government, on the other hand, had not yet said whether they would consent or not on any conditions.\n\nI thanked the Ambassador for the communication, and told him that, as a matter of fact, M. Isvolsky had reproached us for not having said anything to him sooner about the railway proposal, and had reminded us of our agreement of 1899 with Russia binding us not to support proposals for railways running towards the north. Force of circumstances had, I thought, made this agreement rather a dead letter, but, as I had so far not supported this proposal, and had, on hearing that Russian interests were affected, been quite ready to suspend action until I knew the Russian views, I regarded the discussion of the 1899 agreement as rather academic.\n\nI had explained to M. Isvolsky how our discussion with Japan about this proposal had grown gradually out of our discussion about the Fakumen proposal, and he had practically hinted that he would like us to do as much at Peking with regard to Russian interests as I had done there with regard to Japanese participation. This seemed to me not unreasonable, and I had therefore sent the telegram of which I had told the Japanese Ambassador to-day.\n\n[2631 -2]", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-371 - Public Offices - 1910.txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 428442, "series_id": 27, "series_slug": "histsyn-co129-engine", "series_title": "CO129 Colonial Office Hong Kong Records 理藩院香港檔案", "series_use_hku_proxy": false, "document_key": "CO129-371 - Public Offices - 1910", "page_number": 367, "title": "CO129-371 - Public Offices - 1910", "content_text": "The Ambassador remarked that it was quite possible, in view of the understandings between Russia and Japan about Manchuria, that his Government also had been reproached by the Russian Government for not having said anything to them sooner. He seemed, however, to be quite satisfied with the position which we now all respectively occupied with regard to each other, though he emphasized the fact that the Japanese attitude towards the Chinchow-Aigun Railway was in advance of that which Russia had adopted so far.\n\nI am, &c.\n\nE. GREY.\n\nPage 365\n\n6158\n\n6158\n\nForeign Office\n\n1910\n\n8385 Feb\n\n... previous Paper.\n\n1650\n\nBritish Bato'l Agencies in China.\n\n... despatch from Mine as Regarding urging\n\n... to be\n\nThe Agencies should be continued, and the loss on them be met from Imperial funds, Hong Kong relieved from all liability for losses. Copy sent to ... for ... trong\n\n23152\n\n... Treasury\n\nTo reply\n\n... be comprised\n\nWt.21,859-1. 40,000. 11.09. A.&E. W.\n\n... subsequent Paper.\n\nMr. Stribling.\n\nThis is a further argument against the Treasury position in the matter. We have probably sent copies to ... EPP.\n\nI think it is about time we wrote to EPO. (sup ... utter ... Bu ... inf ... (55\")). They ought to have been able to send a reply 47%...\n\nPage 366 is not shown, but the original text contains \"3\" which might be a page number or an indicator of a new section.", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-371 - Public Offices - 1910.txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 428464, "series_id": 27, "series_slug": "histsyn-co129-engine", "series_title": "CO129 Colonial Office Hong Kong Records 理藩院香港檔案", "series_use_hku_proxy": false, "document_key": "CO129-371 - Public Offices - 1910", "page_number": 389, "title": "CO129-371 - Public Offices - 1910", "content_text": "[This Document is the Property of His Britannic Majesty's Government.]\n\n# CHINA RAILWAYS.\n\n## CONFIDENTIAL.\n\nC O\n\n6486\n\n[February 2.] TREC Suction MAR 10,\n\n387\n\n[3868]\n\nNo. 1.\n\nSir A. Nicolson to Sir Edward Grey.-(Received February 2.)\n\nSt. Petersburgh, February 2, 1910.\n\n(No. 42.) (Telegraphic.) P.\n\nPROPOSED railway from Chinchow to Aigum. M. Isvolsky has addressed to the Russian Ambassador at Washington a telegram, of which the substance will be communicated to you by Count Benckendorff. M. Isvolsky had heard that the final contract for the railway would probably be signed on the 10th February, and it was this which led him to dispatch the telegram. I asked his Excellency if the memorandum which he sent to me yesterday had also been communicated to the American Ambassador here, but M. Isvolsky said that it was meant for our information, and had not been communicated to him.\n\n[2631 6-7]", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-371 - Public Offices - 1910.txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 428465, "series_id": 27, "series_slug": "histsyn-co129-engine", "series_title": "CO129 Colonial Office Hong Kong Records 理藩院香港檔案", "series_use_hku_proxy": false, "document_key": "CO129-371 - Public Offices - 1910", "page_number": 390, "title": "CO129-371 - Public Offices - 1910", "content_text": "[This Document is the Property of His Britannic Majesty's Government.]\n\nCHINA RAILWAYS.\n\nCONFIDENTIAL.\n\n[4091]\n\nNo. 1.\n\n388\n\nC\n\n[February 4.]\n\nSECTION REC\n\n6486\n\nREG 4 MAR 10\n\nSir A. Nicolson to Sir Edward Grey,~(Received February 4.)\n\nSt. Petersburgh, February 4, 1910.\n\n(No. 43.) (Telegraphic.) P.\n\nPROJECTED railway from Chinchow to Aigun. In conversation with me last night M. Stolypin, of his own accord, referred to the Aigun railway scheme, and said that he was anxious as to the effect which would be produced on Russian economic and strategic interests by the construction of this line. He gave me to understand that a serious warning would have to be addressed to the Chinese Government by Russia. He expressed an earnest hope that His Majesty's Government would take the interests of Russia into consideration, as he feared that, if Russian interests were neglected, the Anglo-Russian entente would be injuriously affected. M. Stolypin added that the action which England was supposed to have taken had already roused the criticism of some people, who had pointed out to him how little assistance Russia's new friends were proving to be in this question.\n\nI repeated to M. Stolypin the same assurances and explanations which I gave recently to the Minister for Foreign Affairs.\n\nIt was impossible for me, in an after-dinner conversation, to enter fully into the matter with M. Stolypin, but I will take an early opportunity of doing so.\n\n[2631 d−3]\n\nPage 390\nPage 391", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-371 - Public Offices - 1910.txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 428466, "series_id": 27, "series_slug": "histsyn-co129-engine", "series_title": "CO129 Colonial Office Hong Kong Records 理藩院香港檔案", "series_use_hku_proxy": false, "document_key": "CO129-371 - Public Offices - 1910", "page_number": 391, "title": "CO129-371 - Public Offices - 1910", "content_text": "[This Document is the Property of His Britannic Majesty's Government.]\n\nCHINA RAILWAYS,\n\nCONFIDENTIAL\n\n[4475]\n\nNo. 1.\n\n389\n\n0483\n\n[February]\n\nSECTION 3REGE 4 MAR 10\n\nSir A. Nicolson to Sir Edward Grey.-(Received February 7.)\n\n(No. 49.) (Telegraphic.) P.\n\nSt. Petersburgh, February 7, 1910. YOUR telegram No. 23 of the 5th February to His Majesty's Minister at Peking. Chinchow-Aigun Railway.\n\nM. Isvolsky has expressed to me his gratitude for the attitude which His Majesty's Government have assumed in this matter and the great satisfaction which your instructions to Sir John Jordan have caused him.\n\n(2631 g-3]", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-371 - Public Offices - 1910.txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 428467, "series_id": 27, "series_slug": "histsyn-co129-engine", "series_title": "CO129 Colonial Office Hong Kong Records 理藩院香港檔案", "series_use_hku_proxy": false, "document_key": "CO129-371 - Public Offices - 1910", "page_number": 392, "title": "CO129-371 - Public Offices - 1910", "content_text": "This Document is the Property of His Britannic Majesty's Government\n\n6486\n\nCHINA RAILWAYS,\n\nCONFIDENTIAL.\n\n390\n\nREOF 4 MAR 10, [February 10.]\n\nSECTION 3.\n\n[4831]\n\nNo. 1.\n\nSir J. Jordan to Sir Edward Grey.-(Received February 10.)\n\n(No. 29. Confidential.) Sir,\n\nPeking, January 24, 1910.\n\nIN my telegram No. 9 of the 14th instant I informed you that the American chargé d'affaires was continuing to press the Chinese Government to obtain an Imperial decree confirming the preliminary agreement of the 2nd October, 1909, for the construction of a railway from Chinchow to Aigun. In view of the instructions contained in your telegram No. 6 of the 11th instant, I refused to join Mr. Fletcher in any further action.\n\nOn the 21st instant Mr. Fletcher received a note from the Wai-wu Pu, of which I had the honour to inform you in my telegram No. 13 of the 22nd instant, and of which I now beg to enclose a translation, informing him of the issue of the Imperial decree. The note does not contain any specific reference to the preliminary agreement of the 2nd October, but Mr. Fletcher informs me that he has been assured by the Wai-wu Pu that the decree is to be taken as ratifying the terms of that agreement, and that any further negotiations for a final agreement will be based upon it.\n\nI have, &c.\n\n(For Sir John Jordan),\n\nW. G. Max Müller.\n\nEnclosure in No. 1.\n\nPrince Ch'ing to Mr. Fletcher,\n\n(Translation.) Your Excellency,\n\nJanuary 21, 1910, IT is on record that the Viceroy of Manchuria and others have memorialised, asking permission to make a foreign loan to build by instalments a railway from Chinchow to Aigun. The Board of Foreign Affairs consulted with the Boards of Finance and Communications, and it was agreed to sanction the proposal. A memorial stating specifically that this sort of agreement should be drawn up in careful detail was sent into the Throne on the 10th day of the 12th Moon of the 1st year of Hsuan-t'ung (the 20th January, 1910), and the vermilion rescript \"Let it be as decided\" was reverently received. Besides instructing the Viceroy concerned to act accordingly, this despatch is now sent for the information of your Excellency. A necessary despatch.\n\n(Seal of the Wai-wu Pu.)\n\n[2631 k-3]", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-371 - Public Offices - 1910.txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 428469, "series_id": 27, "series_slug": "histsyn-co129-engine", "series_title": "CO129 Colonial Office Hong Kong Records 理藩院香港檔案", "series_use_hku_proxy": false, "document_key": "CO129-371 - Public Offices - 1910", "page_number": 394, "title": "CO129-371 - Public Offices - 1910", "content_text": "[B]\n\n[This Document is the Property of His Britannic Majesty's Government.]\n\n# CHINA RAILWAYS\n\n## CONFIDENTIAL\n\n[4939]\n\nNo. 1.\n\n6486\n\n392\n\nRECR [February 13] MAR 10,\n\n## SECTION 1.\n\nMr. Kato to Sir Edward Grey.--(Received February 11.)\n\nDear Sir Edward Grey,\n\nJapanese Embassy, London, February 10, 1910.\n\nI HAVE immediately telegraphed to Tokyo what you kindly informed me on Tuesday last regarding the instruction given to Sir John Jordan in connection with the proposed Chinchow-Aigun railway, and I am now requested by the Minister for Foreign Affairs to express to you a deep appreciation of the Imperial Government for the action taken by His Majesty's Government in the matter.\n\nYours very sincerely,\n\nTAKAAKI KATO.\n\n[2631 7-1]", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-371 - Public Offices - 1910.txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 428473, "series_id": 27, "series_slug": "histsyn-co129-engine", "series_title": "CO129 Colonial Office Hong Kong Records 理藩院香港檔案", "series_use_hku_proxy": false, "document_key": "CO129-371 - Public Offices - 1910", "page_number": 398, "title": "CO129-371 - Public Offices - 1910", "content_text": "396\n\n2\n\nWe therefore venture (at what we would term the eleventh hour) to ask His Majesty's Government, instead of forcing the Chinese Government and the American Government to solicit this information from the Russian and Japanese Governments, to act as a friendly mediator in the matter, and to obtain on our behalf a definite statement from the Japanese and Russian Governments as to what is the moderate participation in this scheme that they desire, and to inform us accordingly, as we have reason to believe, provided this participation is a reasonable and businesslike one, and definitely described, that it will be granted.\n\nIn the event of the participation demanded by either or both Governments being clearly excessive and unreasonable, will His Majesty's Government use their best endeavours to support our American allies and ourselves with the Chinese Government?\n\nWe are, &c. (Pauling and Co., Limited),\n\nJ. M. SCOTT, Secretary.\n\n[This Document is the Property of His Britannic Majesty's Government.]\n\n6486\n\n[B]\n\nCHINA RAILWAYS.\n\nCONFIDENTIAL.\n\n[6157]\n\n(No. 71.)\n\nNo. 1.\n\nSir Edward Grey to Mr. Bryce,\n\nSECTION 3.\n\n[February 16.]\n\nPAGE 4 MAR 10)\n\nSir,\n\nForeign Office, February 16, 1910.\n\nThe United States Ambassador told me yesterday that Mr. Knox was much surprised to hear that we had made a representation at Peking adverse to the Chinchow-Aigun Railway proposal, as he had understood that we were prepared to support it. Mr. Knox wished to know what was the explanation of this change of attitude on our part, and what our attitude would now be towards the project.\n\nI explained to the Ambassador in general terms what had passed, but asked him to call again when I had been able to look up the history of the whole project; and I told him that I would then give him a copy of the 1899 agreement with Russia, of which he had not previously heard.\n\nWhen the Ambassador came again to-day, I explained that we had originally expressed our pleasure at the co-operation of British and American financiers in a railway project to which in principle we were favourable. But we had stated that in view of Japanese interests we could not press this project at Peking until Japanese participation had been arranged. We had therefore enquired whether the United States Government would be favourable to Japanese participation. As a result, we had both recommended Japanese participation to the Chinese at Peking. Pending the settlement of this point, we ourselves were unable to do anything further, though the American Legation had continued to support the project, and had secured an edict in favour of it which had not been communicated to us by the Chinese.\n\nMeanwhile, the Russians had heard of the project and had been told that we had supported it. M. Isvolsky at once pointed out that the railway was intended to extend to the Russian frontier, and that it would raise serious strategical, as well as economic, questions for Russia. He had reproached us for not having told him about the matter before, and had said that we had broken the 1899 agreement between Great Britain and Russia by supporting the project. I had replied that, as a matter of fact, we had not supported the project at Peking, because we had been unable to do so until the settlement of the point as to Japanese participation. M. Isvolsky had then intimated that, as the proposed railway would in its final form affect Russian interests quite as much as Japanese interests, it would be only reasonable that we should say as much at Peking on behalf of Russia as we had already said on behalf of Japan. This had seemed to me to be reasonable, and I had warned the Chinese Government of the impossibility of ignoring Russian and Japanese interests and of arriving at a final settlement without consulting the Russian and Japanese Governments.\n\nAny misunderstanding at Washington must have arisen through my omitting to inform Mr. Whitelaw Reid here that we had actually made this representation at Peking, as well as of the position in which we were placed by the 1899 agreement with Russia. Had the point occurred to me, I would have informed him sooner, though I had already, on the 7th February, pointed out to him what our attitude was with regard to Russia.\n\nFurther reference to the papers has reminded me that we had instructed His Majesty's chargé d'affaires on the 5th instant to inform his American colleague of the warning to be given to the Chinese Government.\n\nAs to the 1899 agreement, I had told M. Isvolsky that it seemed to have lapsed when the Russians asked for participation in a railway in the Yang-tsze region. To this M. Isvolsky had replied that the Russian request for participation in a railway in which Great Britain was already participating and to which we were favourable was not so important a matter as the giving of our support to a project for a railway in the north that would actually touch the Russian frontier, a railway in which Russia was not participating and by which her interests might be damaged. There was some\n\n[2631 y--3]", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-371 - Public Offices - 1910.txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 428474, "series_id": 27, "series_slug": "histsyn-co129-engine", "series_title": "CO129 Colonial Office Hong Kong Records 理藩院香港檔案", "series_use_hku_proxy": false, "document_key": "CO129-371 - Public Offices - 1910", "page_number": 399, "title": "CO129-371 - Public Offices - 1910", "content_text": "397\n\n2\n\nforce in this contention, and, without admitting that the 1899 agreement was conclusive, I had promised to suspend action at Peking until I knew the Russian views.\n\nThe United States Ambassador pointed out to me that it was hardly for us or the United States to say that it was impossible for China to construct a railway in her own territory without first consulting Russia and Japan.\n\nI explained to him that the words to which he referred had not been intended by me to raise any question of right apart from any special treaties which there might be between China and Russia or Japan, but had been meant to convey to the Chinese Government that, if they pressed forward the Chinchow-Aigun Railway without any regard to Russian or Japanese interests, they would certainly meet with opposition from Russia and Japan, and they could not expect our support against that opposition.\n\nThe Ambassador thanked me for what I had told him about the 1899 agreement, and said he had no doubt that this would explain the situation at Washington.\n\nFinally, the Ambassador asked me what our attitude was at the present time, and whether we were still favourable to the project.\n\nI replied that we were quite favourable to the line in principle, but we could not take action in support of it until the Japanese and Russian interests had been taken into consideration.\n\nI am, &c.\n\nE. GREY.\n\n[This Document is the Property of His Britannic Majesty's Government.]\n\nCHINA RAILWAYS.\n\nCONFIDENTIAL.\n\n[5384]\n\nSir,\n\nNo. 1.\n\nForeign Office to Messrs. Pauling and Co.\n\n6486\n\n[February 19.]\n\nKEY 4 MAR 10 SECTION T\n\nForeign Office, February 19, 1910.\n\nI am directed by Secretary Sir Edward Grey to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 14th instant regarding the Chenchow-Aigun Railway.\n\nThe position of His Majesty's Government in regard to this matter has been explained to Mr. Percy Browne in the course of the visits which he pays to this department on your behalf.\n\nHe has been informed that since the original scheme for a railway from Chenchow to Taonan-fu was extended, first to reach Tsitsihar and subsequently Aigun, the Russian Government have intimated to His Majesty's Government and the Chinese Government that they as well as the Japanese Government are interested in the question. This contention cannot but be regarded as reasonable, and the matter is therefore in the first place one for arrangement between the Governments of Russia, Japan, and China, and His Majesty's Government, in asking the Japanese Government to define their demands for participation, have already exercised their good offices as far as they consider it desirable for the present.\n\nYour assertions that the action of His Majesty's Government is tantamount to disowning Messrs. Pauling as a British firm, and that they are unfavourable to the construction of the railway, are unjustifiable and devoid of foundation, but until they receive official information that an agreement has been reached between the Governments concerned, they do not see their way to take any further action in the matter.\n\nI am to add that His Majesty's Government are unable to give any indication of their attitude in the event (contemplated in the final paragraph of your letter) of the participation demanded by either the Russian or Japanese Governments being considered excessive and unreasonable. This, again, would appear to be a matter, in the first instance, for the Chinese Government to decide.\n\nI am,\n\n&c.\n\nF. A. CAMPBELL.\n\n[2831 -1]", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-371 - Public Offices - 1910.txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 428483, "series_id": 27, "series_slug": "histsyn-co129-engine", "series_title": "CO129 Colonial Office Hong Kong Records 理藩院香港檔案", "series_use_hku_proxy": false, "document_key": "CO129-371 - Public Offices - 1910", "page_number": 408, "title": "CO129-371 - Public Offices - 1910", "content_text": "[B]\n\n[This Document is the Property of His Britannic Majesty's Government.] 406\n\nCHINA RAILWAYS.\n\nCONFIDENTIAL.\n\n(7149)\n\nNo. 1.\n\n7293\n\n[February 23.]\n\nSECTION 1.\n\n(No. 42.) Sir,\n\nSir Edward Grey to Sir C. MacDonald,\n\nForeign Office, February 23, 1910.\n\nI TOLD the Japanese Ambassador to-day what had passed with regard to the Chinchow-Aigun Railway since I last saw him.\n\nI reminded the Ambassador of the communication we had made to the Chinese Government, about which I had told him at our last interview. When the United States Government had heard of this communication, they had instructed their Ambassador here to ask me why we had addressed the warning to China, and what was our attitude towards the railway. I had then explained to the United States Ambassador the bearing on the question of the 1899 Agreement with Russia; I had told him what had passed between Russia and ourselves; and I had stated definitely that we could not give active support to the railway project until the difficulty with regard to the Japanese and Russian interests had been adjusted. The United States Ambassador had observed that China had a right to make railways in her own territory without consulting any other country, and I had replied that we did not question this right; but as it was certain that China would meet with opposition from Japan and Russia if she determined to push on with the railway without considering the interests of those countries we had thought it well to point this out to China, and to tell her that, if she ignored the interests of Japan and Russia, then—in view of all the circumstances of the case—we could not support her against the opposition of those countries.\n\nThe Japanese Ambassador told me that his Government had informed the Russian Government of the communication they intended to make at Peking, stating the conditions on which they would be prepared to agree to the construction of the Chinchow-Aigun line. The Russian Government had not raised any objection, but had asked that the Japanese Government should support the Russian views when the latter were formulated. The Japanese Government had replied that, when the time came, they would be glad to give all the legitimate support in their power,\n\nThe Japanese Ambassador also told me that the Chinese Minister at Peking to whom the Japanese communication had been made had seemed, to the Japanese Minister at Peking, more sincere than usual when he expressed his thanks for the communication, and said that he would take it into consideration. The impression given to the Japanese Minister was that either the Chinese Minister was relieved to find that the Japanese Government were not irreconcilable, or he was pleased to find that the Japanese conditions were not as onerous as he had expected them to be.\n\nI am, &c.\n\nE. GREY.\n\n* Also to Sir A. Nicolson (No. 62) and Mr. Bryce (No. 83).\n\n[2631]\n\n-1]", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-371 - Public Offices - 1910.txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 428497, "series_id": 27, "series_slug": "histsyn-co129-engine", "series_title": "CO129 Colonial Office Hong Kong Records 理藩院香港檔案", "series_use_hku_proxy": false, "document_key": "CO129-371 - Public Offices - 1910", "page_number": 422, "title": "CO129-371 - Public Offices - 1910", "content_text": "[This Document is the Property of His Britannic Majesty's Government.]\n\nCHINA RAILWAYS.\n\nCONFIDENTIAL.\n\n[46670]\n\nNo. 1.\n\n419\n\n[December 22-18 MAR TO]\n\nSECTION 2.\n\nSir J. Jordan to Sir Edward Grey.-(Received December 25.)\n\n(No. 205,) (Telegraphic.) P.\n\nPeking, December 25, 1909.\n\nI was informed yesterday by the Director-General of Railways that the Government were now practically unanimous in their desire to take up the Chinchow-Aihsu railway project seriously. There had been hitherto contradictory counsels on this subject, and the Government had therefore found it hard to arrive at a definite decision. These differences of opinion, however, his Excellency told me, had now been almost entirely removed,\n\n[2538 bb-~-2]\n\n11", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-371 - Public Offices - 1910.txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 428498, "series_id": 27, "series_slug": "histsyn-co129-engine", "series_title": "CO129 Colonial Office Hong Kong Records 理藩院香港檔案", "series_use_hku_proxy": false, "document_key": "CO129-371 - Public Offices - 1910", "page_number": 423, "title": "CO129-371 - Public Offices - 1910", "content_text": "This Document is the Property of His Britannic Majesty's Government.]\n\n420\n\nCHINA RAILWAYS\n\nCONFIDENTIAL.\n\n18 MAR 10:\n\n[December 27.]\n\nSECTION 2.\n\n[46671]\n\nNo. 1.\n\nSir J. Jordan to Sir Edward Grey.--(Received December 27.)\n\n(No. 206. Very Confidential.) (Telegraphic.) P.\n\nPeking, December 27, 1909. PLEASE see my telegram No. 198 of the 18th instant respecting the proposal for the internationalisation of the railways in Manchuria.\n\nThe United States chargé d'affaires explained to me to-day that in the proposal which he had submitted to the Chinese on the 20th instant, he had not specifically mentioned the Chinchow–Aigun Railway. He was waiting for the effect of the more general proposal before putting forward suggestions regarding that particular project. He had as yet only laid before the Chinese Government the more comprehensive American proposal for the neutralization of the railways as laid down in the memorandum sent to the Powers by the United States Government.\n\ncareful consideration.\n\nThe Wai-wu Pu had told him that they heartily approved of the proposed scheme. They had, however, alluded to the Chinchow-Aigun Railway as a point which demanded Mr. Fletcher was anxious to know whether I had yet received any instructions on the subject.\n\n[2538 dd-2]", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-371 - Public Offices - 1910.txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 428501, "series_id": 27, "series_slug": "histsyn-co129-engine", "series_title": "CO129 Colonial Office Hong Kong Records 理藩院香港檔案", "series_use_hku_proxy": false, "document_key": "CO129-371 - Public Offices - 1910", "page_number": 426, "title": "CO129-371 - Public Offices - 1910", "content_text": "423\n\n2\n\nOn their refusing this, we wrote again, the 14th February, to say that if the American group were of opinion that they were being unfairly treated in the proposed division, we, the Chinese Central Railways (Limited), would change places with them and take the 200 kilom. of sub-engineer, plus 400 of the extension, giving them 600 kilom. with chief engineer out of the extension. This in turn has been refused by their letter of the 17th February.\n\nFebruary 18, 1910.\n\nG. JAMIESON.\n\n[This Document is the Property of His Britannic Majesty's Government.\n\nCHINA RAILWAYS.\n\nCONFIDENTIAL.\n\n[5935]\n\nNo. 1.\n\nPage 423\n\nRec 18 MAR 10.\n\nFebruary 20\n\nSECTION 1.\n\nSir A. Nicolson to Sir Edward Grey,-(Received February 20.) (No. 63. Confidential.) (Telegraphic.) P.\n\nSt. Petersburgh, February 20, 1910.\n\nPROPOSED railway from Chinchow to Aigun. I received a visit to-day from the Minister of Finance, who spoke strongly against the above scheme. M. Kokovtsoff said that his Government would probably put forward a proposal that the Chinese Government, in lieu of granting a concession for the Chinchow-Aigun Railway, should grant one for a railway from Kalgan to Kiakhta by way of Urga. The Russian Government would be quite ready to participate in the latter scheme. To my enquiry as to whether this idea was favoured by the Russian Government as a whole, M. Kokovtsoff replied that his views were shared by M. Isvolsky, and that he had every hope that the Council of Ministers, to whom the proposal would shortly be submitted, would be of the same opinion.\n\nHis Excellency did not deny that China was acting within her rights in granting the Aigun concession, but he pointed out that if she insisted on granting the concession, the Russian positions on the Amur would have to be strengthened, and a change would be brought about in Russia's attitude towards the Chinese Government. I asked M. Kokovtsoff whether, in his opinion, the construction of the Aigun line was as strongly opposed by the Japanese as it was by his own Government. He said that he did not think so, and remarked that the proposed line would affect Russian interests much more gravely than Japanese. Great stress was laid by M. Kokovtsoff on the strategical considerations involved.\n\nI expect that M. Kokovtsoff is well aware of the action recently taken by Japan with regard to the conditions of her participation in the scheme, but I did not mention it, as I understand that the information given to me on this point is of a confidential nature.\n\n[2631]\n\nPage 424\n\n-1]", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-371 - Public Offices - 1910.txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 428507, "series_id": 27, "series_slug": "histsyn-co129-engine", "series_title": "CO129 Colonial Office Hong Kong Records 理藩院香港檔案", "series_use_hku_proxy": false, "document_key": "CO129-371 - Public Offices - 1910", "page_number": 432, "title": "CO129-371 - Public Offices - 1910", "content_text": "This Document is the Property of His Britannic Majesty's Government;\n\n[B]\n\nCHINA RAILWAYS.\n\n8011\n\nRece Ree 18, MAR 10 [February 28\n\n429\n\nCONFIDENTIAL.\n\n[7034]\n\n(No. 47.) Sir,\n\nNo. 1.\n\nSECTION 4.\n\nSir J. Jordan to Sir Edward Grey.--(Received February 28.)\n\nPeking, February 11, 1910.\n\nAS I had the honour to inform you in my telegram No. 24 of the 8th instant, I had an interview with Liang Tun-yen on that day at the Wai-wu Pu, and delivered to him your message in regard to the Chinchow-Aigun railway negotiations, as instructed in your telegram No. 23 of the 5th instant. I apologised for troubling his Excellency during the new year holidays, but excused myself for doing so on the ground that the negotiations for a final agreement were, I understood, being actively pushed forward. I reminded his Excellency of the attitude of His Majesty's Government in regard to Japanese participation in the line, and explained that now that the project had been extended to include a line from Tsitsihar to Aigun, His Majesty's Government held that the Russian Government should also be consulted, and their participation, if they so desired, arranged for in any agreement for the construction of the line. I warned his Excellency that it was impossible for the Chinese Government to ignore the interests of the Japanese and Russian Governments in the proposed line, or to attempt to conclude a final agreement without previously consulting them. At his Excellency's request I handed him a paraphrase of the last sentence of the communication I was instructed to make, and as he inquired whether the communication was made at the request of the Russian Government, I said that it was made in the interests of China herself in order to prevent her plunging into unnecessary complications, adding that the fact that a British company was interested in the construction of the line was a proof of our disinterestedness. Liang Tun-yen said that the Russian and Japanese Ministers had conveyed to him the desire of their respective Governments to be consulted before a final agreement was signed, and that he had replied that the Chinese Government were prepared to consider in a friendly spirit any proposals for participation in the scheme put forward by their Governments. No such proposals had, however, been made either by Russia or Japan, and he pointed out that in the end this delay would be equivalent to blocking the whole scheme. The delay, considering the importance of the interests at stake, does not appear to me unduly protracted, but Liang Tun-yen gave me the impression that the Chinese Government would be grateful for anything you might be able to do to expedite the formulating of proposals from Russia and Japan.\n\nI duly informed the American chargé d'affaires of the representation I had made, which has, I may add, been published by Reuter's Agency here, as a telegram from Peking to St. Petersburgh repeated back here.\n\nM. de Margerie, the French Minister, informs me that he has been instructed to address a similar warning to the Chinese Government.\n\nIn regard to the claim of the right of the British and Chinese Corporation to finance the Chinchow-Aigun line, which formed the subject of your telegram No. 14 of the 24th January, and my telegram No. 15 of the 27th January, Mr. Hillier informs me that Mr. Straight has received a reply from his principals in New York that the question of participation in the Chinchow-Aigun railway loan is one for adjustment between the Governments concerned, and that banks desirous of participating should first address their own Governments. Mr. Hillier is therefore taking no further action in the matter.\n\nI have, &c.\n\n(For Sir John Jordan),\n\nW. G. MAX MÜLLER,\n\n[2631 ee-4]", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-371 - Public Offices - 1910.txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 428508, "series_id": 27, "series_slug": "histsyn-co129-engine", "series_title": "CO129 Colonial Office Hong Kong Records 理藩院香港檔案", "series_use_hku_proxy": false, "document_key": "CO129-371 - Public Offices - 1910", "page_number": 433, "title": "CO129-371 - Public Offices - 1910", "content_text": "This Document is the Property of His Britannic Majesty's Government:\n\nCHINA RAILWAYS,\n\nCONFIDENTIAL.\n\n[6910]\n\nNo. 1.\n\n430\n\nRecd 18 MAR 10,\n\n[February 28.]\n\nSECTION 5.\n\nSir A. Nicolson to Sir Edward Grey.--(Received February 28.)\n\n(No. 98.) Sir,\n\nM. KOKOWTZOFF was good enough to pay me a visit yesterday. The conversation soon turned to the question of Manchurian railways, in which his Excellency is chiefly interested. He remarked that he was preoccupied with the activity which the United States Government were displaying in China, and also by the attitude which the Government of the latter country appeared to be inclined to adopt. The question of the Chinchow-Aigun Railway was a most serious one for Russia. A line from Chinchow to Tsitsihar alone would detrimentally affect the revenues of the Eastern Chinese Railway, but its prolongation to Aigun would not only augment the adverse economic conditions, but would, in addition, have a strategical significance of serious import to Russia. The portion from Tsitsihar to Aigun would be a costly undertaking, and could not be remunerative for a long time to come.\n\nHe regarded that section as purely strategic, and as gravely affecting the position of Russia. If constructed it would necessitate a very considerable outlay on the part of the Russian Government in strengthening their defences on the Amur. Although he could not deny that China, as an independent sovereign State, had a perfect right to grant railway concessions to whom and wherever she wished, still if she allowed a line materially affecting the strategic and commercial interests of Russia to be built in face of the objections of Russia, she could not be surprised if the attitude of the Russian Government towards her were to undergo a marked change. There was, of course, no question of Russia going to war with China, such an eventuality should be excluded from consideration, but the relations between the two countries would not be what they were.\n\nI observed that the American projects appeared to have brought Russia and Japan into closer relations. M. Kokowtzoff said that as regards the larger project, for internationalising the Manchurian Railways, such was the case. The interests and views both of Russia and of Japan in that respect were identical. But in regard to the Aigun line the case was otherwise. The interests of Japan were not affected in the same degree as those of Russia. I asked if he therefore thought that Japan was likely to take a line independent of that of Russia in regard to the Aigun Railway. His Excellency replied that very possibly she might do so, there was no reason against it. I asked whether he had in his mind any alternative proposal to make to the Chinese Government, if, as I understood, he was averse from taking any part in the Aigun line. He said that undoubtedly he had an alternative scheme, which would be of equal, if not greater, advantage to China than the Chinchow line, and which would not meet with objections on the part of Russia. He thought that China might very well, in lieu of the Chinchow concession, grant a definite concession for the line from Kalgan by Urga to Kiakhta, to join on with the Baikal Railway. A commencement had been made with that line, but work had been abandoned. This was a line which would be productive and useful, and Russia might very well take part in it. I enquired whether the Russian Government, as a whole, were in accord with him in respect to that scheme. He replied that M. Isvolsky was entirely in agreement with him on the subject, and that the question would shortly be submitted to the Council of Ministers, where he trusted it would receive favourable consideration.\n\nI did not feel at liberty to give M. Kokowtzoff any indication of the line which the Japanese Government were now following in regard to the Aigun Railway, as I understood that the information which had been supplied to us was of a confidential character. I gathered, however, from the tone and tenour of the observations of M. Kokowtzoff in regard to possible action of Japan that, if not aware of what was actually passing, he was quite prepared that Japan might act independently of Russia. As I do not know whether the trans-Mongolian project of M. Kokowtzoff is possible of realisation, or whether parties interested in the Aigun line would be willing to accept it as a substitute, I did not enter into any discussion with his Excellency on that question.\n\nI have, &c.\n\nA. NICOLSON.\n\nPage 44\n\n \n[2631]", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-371 - Public Offices - 1910.txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 428509, "series_id": 27, "series_slug": "histsyn-co129-engine", "series_title": "CO129 Colonial Office Hong Kong Records 理藩院香港檔案", "series_use_hku_proxy": false, "document_key": "CO129-371 - Public Offices - 1910", "page_number": 434, "title": "CO129-371 - Public Offices - 1910", "content_text": "[This Document is the Property of His Britannic Majesty's Government.]\n\n# CHINA RAILWAYS.\n\n## CONFIDENTIAL.\n\nReceived [March 18 MAR 10,\n\n## SECTION 1.\n\n[6867]\n\n### No. 1.\n\n**Sir Edward Grey to Sir A. Nicolson.**\n\n(**No. 106. Confidential.**) (**Telegraphic.**) P.\n\nCHINCHOW-AIGUN Railway. Please see your telegram No. 63, Confidential, of the 20th February.\n\nCount Benckendorff has communicated to me in strict confidence the gist of a telegram embodying a proposal which the Russian Government intend making to the Chinese Government and the Anglo-American syndicate with regard to the Kalgan-Kiakhta line. The Russians promise that on condition that the Urga-Kiakhta section is reserved to Russian capitalists, they are ready to construct a branch line joining the Kalgan-Kiakhta line to the Trans-Siberian main line.\n\nThe receipt of this communication has been acknowledged with thanks, and I told his Excellency that we would be glad to hear how the syndicate and the Chinese view their proposal in due course.\n\n(Following for St. Petersburgh only.)\n\nPauling's chairman, Baron d'Erlanger, thinks of going himself to Russia to endeavour to come to some arrangement with the Russian Government concerning the Aigun line. He has asked us to support him. In the circumstances we could hardly promise this, we might, however, give him an ordinary letter of introduction to some Russian authority competent to deal with the case, and ask them simply to give him a hearing. Do you see any objection to this course?\n\n(Repeated to Washington, No. 30, and Peking (for Tokyo), No. 34.)\n\n[2667]\n\nPage 431", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-371 - Public Offices - 1910.txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 428510, "series_id": 27, "series_slug": "histsyn-co129-engine", "series_title": "CO129 Colonial Office Hong Kong Records 理藩院香港檔案", "series_use_hku_proxy": false, "document_key": "CO129-371 - Public Offices - 1910", "page_number": 435, "title": "CO129-371 - Public Offices - 1910", "content_text": "[This Document is the Property of His Britannic Majesty's Government.]\n\n[B]\n\n# CHINA RAILWAYS.\n\n**CONFIDENTIAL.**\n\n(8275)\n\nNo. 1.\n\n432\n\nRace Rce 18 MAR 10,\n\n[March 3.]\n\n## SECTION 1.\n\n(No. 47. Confidential.) Sir,\n\nSir Edward Grey to Sir C. MacDonald.\n\nForeign Office, March 3, 1910.\n\nI TOLD the Japanese Ambassador to-day that the Russian Government wished the Chinchow-Aigun Railway proposal to be dropped, and would like the Chinese Government to take up instead a project for a line from Kalgan by Urga to Kiakhta. Their idea apparently was that the attention of the American financiers and Pauling's, who were at present interested in the Chinchow-Aigun Railway, should be diverted to the Kalgan line, and that they should be given some share in it.\n\nI told the Ambassador that, so far as I knew, this information had been communicated to us confidentially by the Russian Government, and I was therefore giving it to him in the same form; though I thought it quite probable that the Russian Government might already have communicated their views to the Japanese Government and the United States Government.\n\nCount Benckendorff had expressed the hope that we should be favourable to the Kalgan project. I had replied that I was not aware of any reason why we should object to it, but before giving a definite answer I should like to look into the question. I told the Japanese Ambassador that I did not wish to be committed to support any railway in this region without knowing the view of the Japanese Government with regard to the railway; and I should therefore be glad if the Ambassador could tell me how the Kalgan project was regarded by his Government.\n\nThe Ambassador said that before the Russo-Japanese war the Russian Government had been keen about the construction of this line, and the Japanese Government had then looked upon it with great apprehension. In those days Russia was considered at Peking to be all-powerful, and the building of the railway would have strengthened this impression. He could not say to what extent his Government would still entertain an apprehension of this sort, in the light of what had occurred since the project was first put forward. But in any case the proposed railway would be so far from their own railway that, even if they did object to the proposal, it would be difficult for them to state reasons for their opposition.\n\nI took the opportunity of telling the Ambassador that a representative of Pauling's had intended to go to St. Petersburgh to see whether he could overcome the Russian objections to the Aigun Railway, and Pauling's had asked for our support. We could not give support, but of course we had no objection to their discussing the matter with the Russian Government if the latter were willing to see their representative.\n\nThe Ambassador expressed himself very sensible of the fact that the attention of Pauling's and other parties interested in the Chinchow-Aigun Railway was now diverted from Japan to Russia.\n\n[2667 c-1]\n\nI am, &c.\n\nE. GREY.", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-371 - Public Offices - 1910.txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 428512, "series_id": 27, "series_slug": "histsyn-co129-engine", "series_title": "CO129 Colonial Office Hong Kong Records 理藩院香港檔案", "series_use_hku_proxy": false, "document_key": "CO129-371 - Public Offices - 1910", "page_number": 437, "title": "CO129-371 - Public Offices - 1910", "content_text": "[This Document is the Property of His Britannic Majesty's Government.]\n\n*\n\n8011\n\n434\n\n[B]\n\nCHINA RAILWAYS.\n\nD\n\nCONFIDENTIAL.\n\n[7624]\n\nNo. 1.\n\n18 WAR 10\n\n[March 5.]\n\nSECTION 1.\n\nSir C. MacDonald to Sir Edward Grey.-(Received March 5.)\n\n(No. 32. Confidential.) Sir,\n\nTokyo, February 5, 1910.\n\nIN continuation of my despatches No. 375 of the 26th December, 1909, and of the 6th January, 1910, regarding the American proposal for the internationalisation of railways in Manchuria, I have now the honour to forward a copy of the reply made by the Japanese Government to the said proposal; this reply was handed to the American Ambassador on the 21st January, and on the following morning his Excellency Count Komura sent me a copy of the same for my \"confidential information,\" at the same time telling me that the substance of this document had been telegraphed to the Japanese representative in London, with instructions to communicate the same to you. On the 27th January Count Komura in his speech on international relations in the Diet, after touching on the friendly relations which existed between Japan and the foreign Powers generally, spoke of the traditional friendship between Japan and America, and detailing the several acts of international courtesy which had taken place during the past year—visits of training squadron and of an Imperial Prince, &c., turned his attention to other matters. With considerable tact at the end of his speech he introduced the subject of this American proposal for the internationalisation of Manchurian railways, and stated that the realisation of this proposed American plan would bring about radical changes in the condition of things in Manchuria, which condition was established by the treaties of Portsmouth and Peking, and would thus be attended with serious consequences. Besides, his Excellency went on to say, \"in the region affected by the South Manchurian Railway there have grown up numerous undertakings which have been promoted in the belief that the railway would remain in our possession, and the Imperial Government could not, with a due sense of their responsibility, agree to abandon the railway in question.\" This part of the speech was warmly applauded; subsequent efforts on the part of various members to elicit the text of the reply proved unavailing. His Excellency in his speech made no allusion to the projected Chinchow-Aigun railway which forms the subject of the last paragraph of the enclosure. From this it will be seen that the reply is most courteous in tone, and makes no mention of the great sacrifices which Japan has made to acquire the position she now holds in South Manchuria.\n\nSome facts which I have elicited in the course of conversation with the American Ambassador and the Russian Ambassador may be of interest. It would seem that the original American proposal of the 9th November which was presented to His Majesty's Government on that day, was, at the same time, telegraphed to the American Ambassador, but his opinion as to the reception it would probably receive from the Japanese Government was in no way asked; had it been, it is possible that the proposal would never have been presented. In the State Department, at the present time, one of the recently appointed secretaries has just vacated the post of Japanese Secretary to the American Embassy, which he has held for many years. This official is thoroughly conversant with Japanese sentiment on all subjects; had his opinion been asked, I am convinced that he would have advised strongly against the proposal being made, but, as the American Ambassador said to me, \"my Government do not understand Japanese sentiment, and I do not think they would take any notice of it if they did. To them a railway is just a railway, and if it is a good one, so much the better. Sentiment with them goes for nothing.\"\n\nThe American proposal, as presented to the Japanese Government on the 20th December, contained also the suggestion with regard to the participation in the Chinchow-Aigun railway. In Sir John Jordan's telegram No. 206 of the 27th December it is stated that the American chargé d'affaires explained that the\n\n[2667 -1]", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-371 - Public Offices - 1910.txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 428513, "series_id": 27, "series_slug": "histsyn-co129-engine", "series_title": "CO129 Colonial Office Hong Kong Records 理藩院香港檔案", "series_use_hku_proxy": false, "document_key": "CO129-371 - Public Offices - 1910", "page_number": 438, "title": "CO129-371 - Public Offices - 1910", "content_text": "2\n\nproposal which he had submitted to the Chinese Government on the 20th December referred only to the more comprehensive scheme for the neutralisation of Manchurian railways, and did not mention the Chinchow-Aigun project, which would be \"held in reserve until it was seen how the larger proposal was received.” This would also appear to have been the procedure followed in St. Petersburgh by Mr. Rockhill.\n\nThe American Ambassador here informed me that he had given a copy of the proposal, as he had received it from his Government, and after he had presented it to the Japanese Government, to his Russian colleague, who some days later had come to him and pointed out that the American representative in St. Petersburgh appeared to have received different instructions from himself, for in the St. Petersburgh proposal no mention had been made of the Chinchow-Aigun railway. M. Malewsky, the Russian colleague in question, gave it to me as his opinion that American diplomacy had grievously blundered.\n\n\"At any rate the Americans have made the Japanese and ourselves closer friends than ever.\"\n\nI have, &c.\n\nCLAUDE M. MACDONALD.\n\nEnclosure in No. 1.\n\nCopy of Letter communicated to American Ambassador in Tokyo by Japanese Government. (Strictly Confidential.) (Translation.)\n\nM. l'Ambassadeur,\n\nTokyo, January 21, 1910.\n\nTHE note which your Excellency did me the honour of addressing to me under date of the 18th ultimo, in reference to the internationalisation and administration of railways in Manchuria, was duly received, and has had, it is scarcely necessary to add, the most serious attention of the Government of His Majesty the Emperor.\n\nThe Imperial Government are well aware that the proposal of the United States is entirely disinterested, and that it has for its single inspiration a desire to promote what your Excellency's Government conceives to be the best interests of China, and I beg you to accept my assurance that the Imperial Government, upholding in all sincerity as they do the integrity of the Chinese Empire, and the principle of equal opportunity in all parts of China, would unhesitatingly lend their undivided support to the project if they could bring themselves to the conclusion that its realisation would accomplish the result desired.\n\nThe relations of friendship and good understanding which have so long existed between our two countries, and the common desire of both that nothing may be permitted to weaken the sentiments of mutual good-will and confidence, afford, I am happy to believe, ample assurance that a frank exposition of the reasons, which prevent my Government from giving their support to the scheme, will not be misunderstood or misconstrued.\n\nThe most serious objection to the proposal in question lies in the fact that it contemplates a very important departure from the terms of the Treaty of Portsmouth. That treaty was designed to establish in Manchuria a stable and permanent order of things, and the Imperial Government firmly believe that in a strict and loyal adhesion to its provisions are to be found the highest guarantees of enduring peace and repose in this part of the world, and of the orderly advancement of Manchuria. Not the least difficult of the many difficult and important problems that were definitively solved at Portsmouth, was the question of railways. That adjustment subsequently received the deliberate confirmation of the Chinese Government in the Treaty of Peking, and the railway operations now carried on in Southern Manchuria are consistent with the original concessions, which were with equal deliberation granted by the same Power.\n\nNor can the Imperial Government see in the present condition of things in Manchuria anything so exceptional as to make it necessary or desirable to set up there an exceptional system not required in other parts of China. There is nothing in the actual situation in that region, so far as the Imperial Government are aware, which exceptionally interferes with the undisturbed enjoyment by China of her political rights. So far as the question of open door is concerned, the principle of equal opportunity possesses in its application to Manchuria a more comprehensive significance than it has elsewhere in China, since in virtue of article 7 of the Treaty\n\n3\n\nof Portsmouth, the Japanese and Russian railways in those provinces are dedicated exclusively to commercial and industrial uses. Finally, in the matter of railway administration it is impossible for the Imperial Government to believe that the substitution of an international in place of a national régime would prove advantageous or beneficial.\n\nOn the contrary, it seems to them that in the presence of such a system, economy and efficiency would, in the nature of things, be obliged to yield to political exigencies, and that the divided responsibility of the system would inevitably mean an absence of due responsibility to the serious disadvantage of the public and the detriment of the service.\n\nThese are the principal reasons why the project under consideration does not commend itself to the favourable consideration of the Imperial Government. But there are other cogent reasons which cannot be ignored.\n\nIn the regions affected by the Japanese railways in Manchuria there have grown up numerous Japanese industrial and commercial undertakings which owe their inception, as they owe their continued existence, to the fact that the Imperial Government, possessing the railways in question, are able to extend to those enterprises and to the persons engaged in them, due protection and defence against attack and pillage by lawless bands that still infest the country. In the development of these activities, which are contributing in such a marked degree to the prosperity and progress of Manchuria, large numbers of Japanese subjects and large sums of Japanese money are enlisted, and the Imperial Government could not in good faith or with a due sense of their responsibility, consent to surrender the means by which such protection and defence are alone made possible.\n\nThe observations which I now have the honour to present to your Excellency, and which I venture to hope may prove as convincing to your Excellency's Government as they are conclusive to my own, have reference to the plan in its wider sense, but they are, I should add, no less applicable to the scheme in its more restricted form, since the two plans are, in principle, the same, and only differ in degree.\n\nIn conclusion, I wish to express to your Excellency the sincere appreciation of my Government for the courteous intimation of the United States concerning the projected Chinchow-Aigun line, and to say that, in principle, the Imperial Government will be prepared to participate in the enterprise with the other Powers interested in the question. But as that question is clearly distinguishable from the main subject of your Excellency's note, I will, with your permission, reserve this minor point for separate and independent attention when the necessary details regarding the matter are known.\n\nI avail, &c.\n\n435", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-371 - Public Offices - 1910.txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 428514, "series_id": 27, "series_slug": "histsyn-co129-engine", "series_title": "CO129 Colonial Office Hong Kong Records 理藩院香港檔案", "series_use_hku_proxy": false, "document_key": "CO129-371 - Public Offices - 1910", "page_number": 439, "title": "CO129-371 - Public Offices - 1910", "content_text": "This Document is the Property of His Britannic Majesty's Government.\n\n436\n\n[B]\n\n# CHINA RAILWAYS\n\n**CONFIDENTIAL**\n\n(7625)\n\nNo. 1.\n\n8011\n\nREC\n\nREGP18 MAR 10)\n\n[March 5.]\n\n## SECTION 2.\n\nSir C. MacDonald to Sir Edward Grey.-(Received March 5.) (No. 33. Very Confidential.) Sir,\n\nTokyo, February 5, 1910.\n\nAT Count Komura's last weekly reception his Excellency spoke to me on the subject of the Chinchow-Aigun Railway, the Russian views regarding which had just reached the Japanese Government. His Excellency said that, as I was aware, his Government were from the first averse to the building of the railway, because they considered it would compete with the South Manchurian. They were, however, well aware that in the matter of this railway the case which they could put forward was nothing like as strong as the one which they successfully pressed in the matter of the Hsin-min-tun-Fakumen extension. In the first place the starting-point of the railway, Chinchow, was upwards of 100 miles from the South Manchurian, and as the railway progressed the distance became greater. As to the Tsitsihar argument, it was true that traffic from the west would be diverted, much in the same way as it would in the Fakumen extension, but not to the same extent. Besides, the Japanese Government recognised that this was an argument which might apply to any feeder of the Chinese Eastern Railway to the south, and therefore could not be pressed. This being the case, and also because an English firm of contractors was interested, they were prepared to withdraw their opposition and consent to the construction of the railway, provided they were allowed a certain measure of participation in financing and construction. How much participation, or what form it would take, they could not, of course, possibly state definitely until they knew something more about the line. At present they knew nothing, or next to nothing.\n\nSince receiving the Russian objections to the construction of the line, his Excellency was of opinion that the matter had taken an altogether different complexion, and if negotiations were to be commenced they would have to take place on an altogether different and, his Excellency thought, a more complicated basis.\n\nThere can be no doubt that the Russian objections to the line will receive the cordial support of the Japanese Government, and that the whole question raised by the American Government of railways in Manchuria is having the effect of establishing very close relations between Japan and Russia.\n\nIn selecting this trace for the railway, more particularly when the line was continued from Tsitsihar to Aigun, Mr. Straight and his associates seem to have courted disaster. It is inconceivable how they could have hoped that, under the circumstances, such a line would not have been strongly opposed by both Russia and, in only a slightly lesser degree, by Japan. It is possible that they were aware of the prospective opposition, and for this reason the preliminary agreement was made secretly, but this secrecy could not be maintained, and if, as it is stated, the Imperial consent has been given to the construction of the railway, the outlook is not reassuring.\n\nI have, &c.\n\nCLAUDE M. MACDONALD.\n\n[2667 e-2]", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-371 - Public Offices - 1910.txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 428535, "series_id": 27, "series_slug": "histsyn-co129-engine", "series_title": "CO129 Colonial Office Hong Kong Records 理藩院香港檔案", "series_use_hku_proxy": false, "document_key": "CO129-371 - Public Offices - 1910", "page_number": 460, "title": "CO129-371 - Public Offices - 1910", "content_text": "This Document is the Property of His Britannic Majesty's Government\n\n# CHINA RAILWAYS.\n\n## CONFIDENTIAL.\n\n[659]\n\nNo. 1.\n\n457\n\nAPR 10J [January 6.]\n\nSECTION 2.\n\n!\n\nSir J. Jordan to Sir Edward Grey.-(Received January 6.) (No. 5.) (Telegraphic.) P.\n\nPeking, January 6, 1910. PLEASE see my telegram No. 206 of the 27th ultimo, with regard to railways in Manchuria.\n\nI have received a copy of a note respecting the Chinchow-Aigun line, which was addressed by the United States chargé d'affaires to the Chinese Government on the 31st ultimo,\n\nThe note begins by a statement of the proposal for the general internationalisation of railways as contained in the American memorandum given to the Wai-wu Pu on the 20th December. Mr. Fletcher then proceeds to say that, in the opinion of his Government, the projected Chinchow-Aigun railway is an important part of the scheme.\n\nHe explains that the more comprehensive American scheme may possibly be found to be too large a conception for practical adoption at the present moment, at any rate, in its entirety. In that case, the agreement already concluded for the construction of the Chinchow-Aigun railway would, if carried out, offer a means of attaining the desired goal to a certain extent. Under this agreement it would be possible to invite the participation of such Powers as were desirous to bring about an effective neutralisation of all the railways, such participation to include not only the construction and financing of this particular line, but also a share in any future railways which the development of Manchuria might render necessary. The arrangement might further provide for the supply of funds to enable the Chinese Government to purchase any of the railways already existing that might be put up for sale in the future.\n\n[2581 -2]", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-371 - Public Offices - 1910.txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 428536, "series_id": 27, "series_slug": "histsyn-co129-engine", "series_title": "CO129 Colonial Office Hong Kong Records 理藩院香港檔案", "series_use_hku_proxy": false, "document_key": "CO129-371 - Public Offices - 1910", "page_number": 461, "title": "CO129-371 - Public Offices - 1910", "content_text": "This Document is the Property of His Britannic Majesty's Government.\n\nCHINA RAILWAYS.\n\nCONFIDENTIAL.\n\nNo. 1.\n\nSECTION 1.\n\nSir J. Jordan to Sir Edward Grey.--- (Received January 9.)\n\n(No. 6.) (Telegraphic.) P.\n\nMANCHURIAN railways.\n\nPeking, January 9, 1910,\n\nHaving received your telegram, No. 204 of the 28th ultimo, I accompanied my American colleague in a visit to the Japanese Minister on the 31st December. We informed Mr. Ijuin of the instructions from our respective Governments, under which we were to press upon the Chinese Government the desirability of admitting the Japanese to participation in the Chinchow-Aigun Railway. Mr. Ijuin expressed his hearty approval.\n\nAt an interview which Mr. Fletcher and myself had yesterday with Liang Tun Yen, I confined myself strictly to the letter of your instructions, merely advocating the admission of the Japanese to participation in the Chinchow-Aigun Railway.\n\nMr. Fletcher, on his side, spoke at length on the American proposals already communicated to the Wai-wu Pu on the 20th and 31st ultimo, and urged the adoption of his last proposal, by which the end aimed at by the more comprehensive scheme would be gradually attained through general participation of the Powers in the Chinchow-Aigun line.\n\nIn reply, Liang declared that though there still remained the question of some minor details, his Government had come to the definite decision to undertake the Chinchow-Aigun Railway project under the preliminary Anglo-American Agreement. The suggested participation of other Powers in that project was not a question on which he could express an opinion on behalf of his Government. Japanese and Russian participation would depend on those Powers either agreeing to the general American proposal for the neutralisation of all the railways, or else making some concession to the Chinese in return. He was personally of opinion that the success of the American proposals depended to a great extent on His Majesty's Government, and he attached great importance to the effect which our attitude on the subject might produce on the Japanese Government.\n\nI would have, I think, had greater hopes of a successful issue to the American negotiations, if, as I understand you suggested, the United States Government had postponed submitting their general scheme for neutralisation until after the Chinese Government had been induced to admit Japan to participation in the Chinchow-Aigun Railway.\n\nPage 1\n\n[2581 i-1]\n\n \nAPR 10\n\n458\n\n9850\n\nJanuary 9.\n\n[8730]", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-371 - Public Offices - 1910.txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 428538, "series_id": 27, "series_slug": "histsyn-co129-engine", "series_title": "CO129 Colonial Office Hong Kong Records 理藩院香港檔案", "series_use_hku_proxy": false, "document_key": "CO129-371 - Public Offices - 1910", "page_number": 463, "title": "CO129-371 - Public Offices - 1910", "content_text": "This Document is the Property of His Britannic Majesty's Government.\n\n# CHINA RAILWAYS\n\n**CONFIDENTIAL**\n\n8850\n\n460\n\n[January 14.]\n\nBY 4 APR 10!\n\n## SECTION 3.\n\n[1567]\n\n(No. 9.)\n\nNo. 1.\n\nSir J. Jordan to Sir Edward Grey.-(Received January 14.)\n\n(Telegraphic.) P.\n\nMANCHURIAN railways.\n\nPeking, January 14, 1910.\n\nIn accordance with the sense of the instructions contained in your telegram No. 6 of the 11th instant, I have, in spite of requests received from the representatives of Paulings and of the American financial group, held aloof from the action now being taken by the United States chargé d'affaires, who, under his Government's instructions, is urging the Chinese to ratify the preliminary agreement of the 2nd October last in regard to the Chinchow-Aigun Railway. The ratification in question would be effected by means of an Imperial decree,\n\n(Confidential.)\n\nAccording to my American colleague, the Chinese are desirous of building the Chinchow-Aigun Railway, and would probably be prepared to issue an edict, were the preliminary agreement modified in such a manner as to be brought into line with the agreements already drawn up in regard to other lines, such as the Hukuang system.\n\n: \n\n[2581 -3]", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-371 - Public Offices - 1910.txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 428542, "series_id": 27, "series_slug": "histsyn-co129-engine", "series_title": "CO129 Colonial Office Hong Kong Records 理藩院香港檔案", "series_use_hku_proxy": false, "document_key": "CO129-371 - Public Offices - 1910", "page_number": 467, "title": "CO129-371 - Public Offices - 1910", "content_text": "[This Document is the Property of His Britannic Majesty's Government.]\n\n464\n\n9050\n\n[B]\n\nCHINA RAILWAYS.\n\nCONFIDENTIAL.\n\n[7347]\n\nNo. 1.\n\nDE 4 APR 10! [February 28.]\n\nSECTION 6.\n\nQuestion asked in the House of Commons, February 28, 1910.\n\nSir William Bull, To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether His Majesty's Government are aware that the proposed construction by China of an important railway in Western Manchuria and Eastern Mongolia cannot be proceeded with, chiefly owing to the attitude of Japan, who, after a period of protracted delay, has submitted proposals which cannot possibly be accepted; and, seeing that the nearest point of this proposed railway cannot be less than 150 miles, whether His Majesty's Government is prepared to admit Japan's claim to be consulted as of right; and, if so, in what manner can such an attitude be reconciled with the existing treaty obligations of both Japan and Great Britain regarding Manchuria.\n\nAnswer by Mr. McKinnon Wood (for Sir Edward Grey).\n\nIt was\n\nIn the case of the line referred to in the hon. Member's question, the Japanese Government expressed their readiness not to oppose the proposed railway, provided that they were admitted to participation in it as some compensation for the injury the line might inflict on their own railway. They have now, I understand, defined their demands; I am not aware that there is anything inherently unreasonable in these, and it is for the Chinese Government to decide, in the first instance, whether the conditions of the Japanese Government are acceptable or not. The original scheme for the railway in question was from Chinchow to Taonan-fu, subsequently extended to Tsitsihar, on the Siberian Railway, and finally to Aigun, on the River Amur. The Russian Government have now intimated both to His Majesty's Government and to China that on economic, strategical, and political grounds they, as well as Japan, are interested in the question. This contention is obviously a reasonable one, seeing that Aigun is on the Russian frontier, and that the line would actually cross the existing Russian railway, and the matter is therefore one for arrangement between Russia, China, and Japan.\n\n[2631 ee-t\n\n-6]", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-371 - Public Offices - 1910.txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 428545, "series_id": 27, "series_slug": "histsyn-co129-engine", "series_title": "CO129 Colonial Office Hong Kong Records 理藩院香港檔案", "series_use_hku_proxy": false, "document_key": "CO129-371 - Public Offices - 1910", "page_number": 470, "title": "CO129-371 - Public Offices - 1910", "content_text": "[This Document is the Property of His Britannic Majesty's Government.]\n\n9850\n\n467\n\n4\n\nSuch being the state of the case when the American demand was imposed on us, the situation and solution are correctly set out in the paragraph of your letter beginning, \"La situation était bien simple,\" &c., viz., that each should give up 200 kilom., so as to make room for the American group on equal terms. That is the solution we have always advocated, and, when it was found that the Germans could not be induced to give up more than a sub-engineer on 200 kilom., we advocated the next best solution, viz., that the Americans should take the 200 kilom. with a sub-engineer, plus 400 of the deferred, making 600 in all, thus leaving 600 kilom. each of the deferred for the French and British engineers. We even went further, and informed the American group that if they considered they were not being fairly treated in this division, we would take their share and give them 600 kilom. in the deferred portion.\n\nIn view of this conciliatory attitude, we were somewhat surprised to learn that it is considered in Paris that the English group alone has shown itself “intransigeant.” Speaking for that portion of the English group which is concerned with the Central Railways, I submit we have been most conciliatory. We even expressed our willingness to accept the first American proposition and take 500 kilom., but, in loyalty to our French co-partners, we made it conditional on their also agreeing to 500, and, when they refused, we withdrew our conditional acceptance. We only ask them to be equally loyal to us, and not to press us to take a worse position than they are willing to take themselves. So long as the Chinese Central Railways exists, there must be entire equality of treatment as between the two component groups, and, as we have already pointed out to our French friends, any attempt on the part of one group or the other to obtain specific advantages for itself must make co-operation impossible and bring about the dissolution of the society.\n\nFor that reason, we regret that there seems to be a disposition in Paris to fall in with the latest American proposal, which was to surrender 100 kilom., not to the Central Railways, but to the French group. We hoped that the French group would adopt the same attitude as we did on the former occasion, and say that they could not disassociate themselves from their English co-partners, and that therefore their assent must be conditional on the English assent. If their assent is given unconditionally, it places the English group of the Central Railways in the invidious position of either having a smaller share in the Szechuan line than any other nationality, or of being the only party that stands in the way of a settlement.\n\nIf the French group desire to negotiate on an independent footing and get what advantages they can, we should offer no objection, provided we too regain our independence. But they cannot have it both ways. They cannot take the share that falls to them equally with us as co-partners in the Central Railways, and then proceed to negotiate with our rivals for an extra advantage for themselves. This would be totally at variance with the spirit and letter of the fundamental agreements on which the Central Railways was based.\n\nUnder the circumstances, we think the time has come to consider calmly whether the Chinese Central Railways has not outlived its usefulness, and whether it would not be better all round that it should be dissolved and voluntarily liquidated.\n\nThere would then be only one English group instead of two as at present, a fact which hampers negotiations and tends to confusion of ideas. The two English groups are not identical nor controlled by the same individuals, and the acts of one may be erroneously attributed to the other. This would be obviated if the Central Railways were out of the way, and the term \"Le groupe anglais\" would have a precise and definite meaning, which at present it has not.\n\nOn the other hand, the French group, which would naturally include all the continental shareholders in the Chinese Central Railways, would certainly be in no worse a position, and I think in a better position than they now are in. The agreements of May and July 1909 secure for the French group an equal one-third interest both in the Hukuang loans and in all future loans, and the only difference would be that the group would retain all profits on flotation commission, &c., for its own use, instead of, as at present, handing over such profits to the Chinese Central Railways and receiving back a proportion by way of dividend. The situation would be simpler, and I think, even from the pecuniary point of view, more advantageous.\n\nWe should be glad if you would place these views before your Paris friends for their consideration.\n\nCHINA RAILWAYS,\n\nCONFIDENTIAL.\n\n[6867]\n\n(Confidential.)\n\nYour Excellency,\n\nNo. 1.\n\nSir Edward Grey to Count Benckendorff.\n\nRase Rise 4 APR 10] [March 4.]\n\nSECTION 2.\n\nForeign Office, March 4, 1910.\n\nI HAVE to thank your Excellency for communicating to me confidentially on the 24th ultimo the summary of a telegram on the subject of the Chinchow-Aigun Railway, and of the alternative proposal for a railway from Kalgan to Kiakhta which the Russian Government are about to make to the Chinese Government and to the Anglo-American syndicate.\n\nI shall be glad to learn in due course the reception that the proposal meets with.\n\nI have, &c.\n\nE. GREY.\n\n[2667 d-2]\n\n0\n\nBelieve me, &c.\n\nC. S. ADDIS.\n\n1", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-371 - Public Offices - 1910.txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 428551, "series_id": 27, "series_slug": "histsyn-co129-engine", "series_title": "CO129 Colonial Office Hong Kong Records 理藩院香港檔案", "series_use_hku_proxy": false, "document_key": "CO129-371 - Public Offices - 1910", "page_number": 476, "title": "CO129-371 - Public Offices - 1910", "content_text": "This Document is the Property of His Britannic Majesty's Government.]\n\n[B]\n\n# CHINA RAILWAYS\n\n## CONFIDENTIAL\n\n[8696]\n\nNo. 1.\n\n[March 14, 1910\n\nSECTION 1.\n\n473]\n\n(No. 125.) Sir,\n\nSir A. Nicolson to Sir Edward Grey.—(Received March 14.)\n\nSt. Petersburgh, March 6, 1910.\n\nM. 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.\n\nI 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.\n\nI 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.\n\n[2667 0-1]\n\nI have, &c.\n\nA. NICOLSON.", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-371 - Public Offices - 1910.txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 428556, "series_id": 27, "series_slug": "histsyn-co129-engine", "series_title": "CO129 Colonial Office Hong Kong Records 理藩院香港檔案", "series_use_hku_proxy": false, "document_key": "CO129-371 - Public Offices - 1910", "page_number": 481, "title": "CO129-371 - Public Offices - 1910", "content_text": "This Document is the Property of His Britannic Majesty's Government.\"\n\n[B]\n\n# CHINA RAILWAYS\n\n## CONFIDENTIAL\n\n(9214)\n\nNo. 1.\n\nSir Edward Grey to Mr. Bryce.\n\n478\n\n[March 11:]\n\n### SECTION 1\n\n4 APR 10\n\n(No. 95.) Sir,\n\nForeign Office, March 11, 1910.\n\nIN the course of conversation to-day the United States Ambassador asked me, as his own suggestion, whether the Chinchow Railway might not be proceeded with at once as far as Tsitsihar, the rest of the line, from Tsitsihar to Aigun, being left to be dealt with by the Russians when they pleased. In his view, an arrangement of this sort ought to meet the wishes of the Russian Government, and he asked me whether I saw any objection.\n\nI told him that I could not say what the view of the Russian Government would be with regard to such a proposal, but no doubt his Government would be able to find out by direct communication with them.\n\nThe Ambassador then asked me what I myself thought of the proposal, and whether I should object to Pauling's proceeding with the American group in the construction of the line as far as Tsitsihar.\n\nI replied that, no matter to what extent the full validity of the 1899 agreement might be open to argument in the light of what had happened since the agreement was made, I thought it would be a rather strong order for us to give active support to a railway in that region to which Russia was opposed. In any case, I did not wish to quarrel with Russia about the 1899 agreement. It was not worth while to do so on a point such as this. I could not, therefore, give diplomatic support at Peking, and I must stand aside. As to Pauling's, they had acted entirely independently of us, and of course they were at liberty to continue to do so. I was not bound by the 1899 agreement to control the action of independent British firms, and as a matter of fact I had no means of exercising such control, even if I wished. The only thing to which I was bound by the agreement was a negative attitude.\n\nI subsequently gave Count Benckendorff an account of the above conversation.\n\n[2667 -1]\n\nI am, &c.\n\nE. GREY.\n\n2\n\nil", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-371 - Public Offices - 1910.txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 428584, "series_id": 27, "series_slug": "histsyn-co129-engine", "series_title": "CO129 Colonial Office Hong Kong Records 理藩院香港檔案", "series_use_hku_proxy": false, "document_key": "CO129-371 - Public Offices - 1910", "page_number": 509, "title": "CO129-371 - Public Offices - 1910", "content_text": "This Document is the Property of His Britannic Majesty's Government.\n\n506\n\nCHINA RAILWAYS.\n\nCONFIDENTIAL.\n\n[March 9.]\n\n0 10921\n\nSECTION 1\n\nBrc 14 APR 10\n\n[8533]\n\nNo. 1.\n\nQuestion asked in the House of Commons, March 11, 1910.\n\nSir William Bull,-To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether, in view of certain clauses in the Anglo-Japanese treaty of alliance, His Majesty's Government will ask Japan to define the limits of her interests in Manchuria, and more especially to explain on what ground she bases her demand for so large a measure of participation in the Chinchow-Aigun Railway, which is, in Chinese opinion, so far removed from the South Manchurian Railway as to prohibit any objections on the plea of competition.\n\nAnswer by Mr. McKinnon Wood (for Sir E. Grey).\n\nI do not see that there is anything in the question to modify the answer given to the honourable member on the 28th February, and I can only refer him to that answer, and especially to the first two paragraphs of it, in view of which there is no object in pursuing the course advocated in the question, even if it were on other grounds reasonable.\n\n[2667---1]", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-371 - Public Offices - 1910.txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 428614, "series_id": 27, "series_slug": "histsyn-co129-engine", "series_title": "CO129 Colonial Office Hong Kong Records 理藩院香港檔案", "series_use_hku_proxy": false, "document_key": "CO129-371 - Public Offices - 1910", "page_number": 539, "title": "CO129-371 - Public Offices - 1910", "content_text": "This Document is the Property of His Britannic Majesty's Government\n\nCLANA RAILWAYS.\n\nCONFIDENTIAL.\n\n(11595)\n\nNo. 1.\n\nIREC\n\n536\n\nRecd 21 APR 10\n\n[April 4.]\n\nSECTION 2.\n\nQuestion asked in the House of Commons, April 4, 1910.\n\nEarl Winterton,-To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he is aware that the arrangement come to between Great Britain and Russia in 1899 regarding railway concessions north of the Great Wall and in the Yang-tsze Valley referred to concessions only; and, under these circumstances, in what way can that arrangement regulate the attitude of His Majesty's Government regarding the proposed Chinchow-Aigun Railway, which China proposes to build by contract and for which no concession of any sort is being given.\n\nAnswer by Mr. McKinnon Wood (for Sir Edward Grey).\n\nThere is nothing in the agreement referred to in the question which affects the right of China to build what railways she pleases for herself, but there is an understanding on behalf of Great Britain not to seek on behalf of British subjects or others any railway concessions in this region. I cannot, therefore, select such railways as a suitable field for diplomatic interference on the part of His Majesty's Government.\n\n[2706 d-2]", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-371 - Public Offices - 1910.txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 428643, "series_id": 27, "series_slug": "histsyn-co129-engine", "series_title": "CO129 Colonial Office Hong Kong Records 理藩院香港檔案", "series_use_hku_proxy": false, "document_key": "CO129-371 - Public Offices - 1910", "page_number": 568, "title": "CO129-371 - Public Offices - 1910", "content_text": "This Document is the Property of His Britannic Majesty's Government.\n\n565\n\n# CHINA RAILWAYS\n\n**CONFIDENTIAL**\n\nNo. 1.\n\n[January 22.]\n\n## SECTION 4.\n\nC.O. 12560\n\nPeking, January 22, 1910.\n\nMr. Max Müller to Sir Edward Grey.—(Received January 22.)\n\n(No. 13.)\n\n(Telegraphic.) P.\n\nCHINCHOW-AIGUN Railway.\n\nIN continuation of my telegram No. 9 of the 14th instant, I have to report that the Wai-wu Pu informed my American colleague yesterday that the construction of this railway under a foreign loan has been formally approved by Imperial decree,", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-371 - Public Offices - 1910.txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 428644, "series_id": 27, "series_slug": "histsyn-co129-engine", "series_title": "CO129 Colonial Office Hong Kong Records 理藩院香港檔案", "series_use_hku_proxy": false, "document_key": "CO129-371 - Public Offices - 1910", "page_number": 569, "title": "CO129-371 - Public Offices - 1910", "content_text": "This Document is the Property of His Britannic Majesty's Government.]\n\n# CHINA RAILWAYS\n\n## CONFIDENTIAL\n\n[3923]\n\nNo. 1.\n\nC. O. 566\n\n[February 3,]\n\n4550\n\nSECTION 1. REC\n\nREG 28 PK 10\n\nMr. Mar Müller to Sir Edward Grey.-(Received February 3.)\n\n(No. 18.) (Telegraphic.) P.\n\n## CHINCHOW-AIGUN Railway\n\nPeking, February 3, 1910.\n\nI have been told by the Russian Minister that the representative of the American financial group is negotiating with the Chinese for the conclusion of a final and detailed agreement. These negotiations, so Liang Tun-yen assured M. Korostovetz, are to be carried on without interruption through the holidays at the Chinese New Year.\n\nI told the Russian Minister that my instructions were to take no action in the matter at present. We were unaware, I said, of these new negotiations, nor had the edict ever been officially communicated to this legation.\n\nFrom what I am told, the terms on which Russia and Japan would be prepared to participate in the railway have not yet been disclosed by the respective Governments.\n\n[2631]\n\n-11\n\nPage 1\n\n...\n\nPage 2\n\n \nbecomes simply \n\nThis Document is the Property of His Britannic Majesty's Government.]\n\n# CHINA RAILWAYS\n\n## CONFIDENTIAL\n\n[3923]\n\nNo. 1.\n\nC. O. 566\n\n[February 3,]\n\n4550\n\nSECTION 1. REC\n\nREG 28 PK 10\n\nMr. Mar Müller to Sir Edward Grey.-(Received February 3.)\n\n(No. 18.) (Telegraphic.) P.\n\n## CHINCHOW-AIGUN Railway\n\nPeking, February 3, 1910.\n\nI have been told by the Russian Minister that the representative of the American financial group is negotiating with the Chinese for the conclusion of a final and detailed agreement. These negotiations, so Liang Tun-yen assured M. Korostovetz, are to be carried on without interruption through the holidays at the Chinese New Year.\n\nI told the Russian Minister that my instructions were to take no action in the matter at present. We were unaware, I said, of these new negotiations, nor had the edict ever been officially communicated to this legation.\n\nFrom what I am told, the terms on which Russia and Japan would be prepared to participate in the railway have not yet been disclosed by the respective Governments.\n\n[2631]\n\n-11\n\nPage 1\n\nPage 2", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-371 - Public Offices - 1910.txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 428645, "series_id": 27, "series_slug": "histsyn-co129-engine", "series_title": "CO129 Colonial Office Hong Kong Records 理藩院香港檔案", "series_use_hku_proxy": false, "document_key": "CO129-371 - Public Offices - 1910", "page_number": 570, "title": "CO129-371 - Public Offices - 1910", "content_text": "This Document is the Property of His Britannic Majesty's Government.\n\n# CITINA RAILWAYS\n\n**CONFIDENTIAL**\n\n[5293]\n\nNo. 1.\n\n567\n\n[February 15.]\n\n## SECTION 3\n\nC. O.\n\n12550\n\n¡REC\n\nRec'd 28 APR 10\n\nMr. Max Müller to Sir Edward Grey.-(Received February 15.)\n\n(No. 28.) (Telegraphic.) P.\n\n## CHINCHOW-AIGUN Railway\n\nPeking, February 15, 1910.\n\nPlease see your telegram No. 5 to Sir Claude MacDonald, dated the 11th February. The conditions on which the Japanese Government are prepared to agree to the construction of the railway have been communicated to the Wai-wu Pu by the Japanese Minister, without however, as he himself informs us, specifying the amount of the share in the financing, &c., desired by Japan.\n\nM. Ijuin has promised to let me know the terms of the Chinese reply when received.\n\n[2631 p-3]\n\nPage 570\n\nPage 571", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-371 - Public Offices - 1910.txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 428650, "series_id": 27, "series_slug": "histsyn-co129-engine", "series_title": "CO129 Colonial Office Hong Kong Records 理藩院香港檔案", "series_use_hku_proxy": false, "document_key": "CO129-371 - Public Offices - 1910", "page_number": 575, "title": "CO129-371 - Public Offices - 1910", "content_text": "[This Document is the Property of His Britannic Majesty's Government.]\n\n572\n\nCHINA RAILWAYS,\n\nCONFIDENTIAL\n\n[11357]\n\nNo. 1.\n\n[April 4.]\n\nSECTION 3.\n\n0.0. 12550\n\nR 28 APR 10\n\nSir C. MacDonald to Sir Edward Grey. (Received April 4.)\n\n(No. 60. Confidential.) Sir,\n\nTokyo, March 4, 1910.\n\nI HAVE the honour to report that, in the absence of His Majesty's Ambassador in Formosa, Count Komura sent for me this afternoon to communicate to me the statement he had just made to the Russian Ambassador regarding the attitude of the Japanese Government on the Russian proposal for a concession for a line from Kalgan to Kiakhta.\n\nHis Excellency said that he had told the Russian Ambassador that not only would the Japanese Government not oppose the Russian proposal, but would give it their moral support, on the understanding that the line in question was to be constructed on the basis of international co-operation. His Excellency had further stipulated that the support of the Japanese Government was not to prejudice the attitude of that Government in the Chinchow-Aigun Railway project, supposing the Chinese Government refused to grant a concession for the Kalgan-Kiakhta line.\n\nI enquired whether this latter condition meant that the Japanese Government would claim to participate in the construction of whichever line was built. Count Komura said that this was so. I then asked his Excellency whether he knew how the American Government viewed the Russian proposal. He replied that he had put the same question to the American Ambassador that afternoon, but Mr. O'Brien had been unable to enlighten him on the subject.\n\nCount Komura then went on to say that considerable time would probably elapse before either of these railway projects came to anything. Possibly they might not materialise at all. The Japanese Government did not care in the least. They had nothing to lose if neither of the lines were constructed. The only country which would have trouble in the matter would be China, and this thought seemed to cause his Excellency a certain amount of slightly malicious satisfaction.\n\nI am forwarding a copy of this despatch to His Majesty's Minister at Peking by safe opportunity.\n\nI have, &c. (For His Majesty's Ambassador),\n\nHORACE RUMBOLD.\n\n[2706 d-3]", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-371 - Public Offices - 1910.txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 428655, "series_id": 27, "series_slug": "histsyn-co129-engine", "series_title": "CO129 Colonial Office Hong Kong Records 理藩院香港檔案", "series_use_hku_proxy": false, "document_key": "CO129-371 - Public Offices - 1910", "page_number": 580, "title": "CO129-371 - Public Offices - 1910", "content_text": "This Document is the Property of His Britannic Majesty's Government.]\n\nclaimed is now confined to a mere question of engineering rights, absolute equality as regards finance and material having already been conceded.\n\nIn these circumstances I earnestly trust that the United States Government will see their way to accepting the point of view of His Majesty's Government in the matter, and I have no reason to doubt that their acquiescence would greatly facilitate an agreement between the four groups, which, in view of recent events in the Yang-tsze Valley, is daily becoming more urgent.\n\n[B]\n\nCHINA RAILWAYS,\n\nCONFIDENTIAL.\n\nI have, &c.\n\nE. GREY.\n\n[12286]\n\nNo. 1.\n\nMr. Bryce to Sir Edward Grey.-(Received April 11.)\n\n(No. 72. Confidential.) Sir,\n\nC. O.\n\n112) 50\n\n[April 11\n\nSECTION 2.\n\nTREST\n\n(REG. 28 Ark 10\n\nWashington, March 31, 1910.\n\nI HAVE the honour to inform you that I had this morning an interview with the President of the United States, in the course of which the subject of the Manchurian railways was mentioned, and I took the opportunity of speaking to him in the sense of your telegram of the 26th instant. Though he said that the Secretary of State had kept him au courant of the negotiations that have been going on his knowledge did not seem to be complete, for he was under the impression that His Majesty's Govern- ment had in the first instance encouraged British financiers to take up the projected Chinchow-Aigun line, and had thereafter drawn back and refused their support. I told him that this was not the case, His Majesty's Government having never committed itself to any financiers regarding that line, and I explained to him that Messrs. Pauling had all through acted entirely on their own responsibility, His Majesty's Government neither supporting them nor interfering to hold them back. He said his wish was to see Manchuria become a sort of buffer country between Japan and Russia, its railways being internationalised, i.e., managed and policed in the general interest without preferential advantages to any Power in particular. Stating that while in principle His Majesty's Government saw much to recommend that view, they were at the same time obliged to have regard to the practical difficulties which arose from the positions and claims of Japan and Russia respectively. I described the general situation and the attitude Great Britain felt herself bound to assume in terms similar to those which you had used in your conversations with Mr. Whitelaw Reid, adverting to the reasons which made it necessary at present to take due note of the susceptibilities of Russia, and conveying to him that we had no selfish interest whatever in the matter, nor any wish except to prevent friction. So far as His Majesty's Government could co-operate with the United States without departing from their engagements they would gladly do so, and it was my hope that he would at any time, when any question might arise regarding the relations of our policy to that administration, frankly express his views to me in order that I might convey them to you. I need hardly observe that not only is it quite usual and regular here for the President to take up questions of foreign policy himself, but that he is by nature so much more frank and expansive than his Secretary of State, from whom it is difficult to extract anything whatever, that an exchange of views with him is far more likely to attain substantial results. It was his direct interposition that averted the tariff war between Canada and the United States which the tactlessness of the State Department had nearly brought about.\n\nThe President did not appear to me to have taken umbrage at the action of His Majesty's Government, though he may not have quite understood all the reasons for it, and in what little he said to me there was nothing of the querulousness which has, I find, been attributed to Mr. Knox, though, as the latter has never spoken to me at all on the subject of Manchuria, I do not know what his personal attitude may be.\n\nI have, &c.\n\nJAMES BRYCE.\n\n[2706 1-2]\n\n577", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-371 - Public Offices - 1910.txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 428656, "series_id": 27, "series_slug": "histsyn-co129-engine", "series_title": "CO129 Colonial Office Hong Kong Records 理藩院香港檔案", "series_use_hku_proxy": false, "document_key": "CO129-371 - Public Offices - 1910", "page_number": 581, "title": "CO129-371 - Public Offices - 1910", "content_text": "] \n\nThis Document is the Property of His Britannic Majesty's Government.] 578 \n\n[B] \n\n# CHINA RAILWAYS \n\n## CONFIDENTIAL \n\n[12824] \n\nNo. 1. \n\nApril 12. \n\n## SECTION \n\nQuestion asked in the House of Commons, April 12, 1910. \n\n$650 Ee 28 APR 10 \n\nMr. Arbuthnot,-To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether any concession for the finance and construction of the proposed Chinchow-Aigun Railway has been granted to either American or British firms; and, if not, on what grounds can His Majesty's Government refuse to give diplomatic assistance to further the scheme in the interest of British industry. \n\n## Answer \n\nInformation has reached us to the effect that a concession for the finance and construction of the Chinchow-Aigun Railway has been granted to American and British firms. I have repeatedly explained our position with regard to the matter in answer to previous questions. \n\n-1] \n\n[2706 m]", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-371 - Public Offices - 1910.txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 428682, "series_id": 27, "series_slug": "histsyn-co129-engine", "series_title": "CO129 Colonial Office Hong Kong Records 理藩院香港檔案", "series_use_hku_proxy": false, "document_key": "CO129-372 - Public Offices - 1910", "page_number": 23, "title": "CO129-372 - Public Offices - 1910", "content_text": "(This Document is the Property of His Britannic Majesty's Government.\n\nCONFIDENTIAL.\n\nCHINA RAILWAYS,\n\nNo. 1.\n\nSECTION 1.\n\nQuestion asked in the House of Commons, April 19, 1910.\n\nMr. Lincoln,-To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he can state on what grounds His Majesty's Government supported the Imperial Japanese Government in their vetoing or effectually preventing the construction by a British firm of a railway from Chinchow via Taonan-fu and Tsitsihar to Aigun on the Amur; and if he is aware that, due to the attitude of His Majesty's Government, the financing of this railway passed to a large extent out of the hands of the British firm, and the rolling-stock and railway material, which was to have been entirely constructed in this country, is now to be so no longer, and the British share in the orders for material has been diminished by a sum computed at not less than £500,000, which would have found work and wages for a large number of people in this country.\n\nAnswer by Mr. McKinnon Wood (for Sir Edward Grey).\n\nI assume that the hon. Member has not read the answers given to previous questions on this subject, or he would not have put this question upon the paper. I have nothing to add to previous answers.\n\n[2706 -1]", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-372 - Public Offices - 1910.txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 428693, "series_id": 27, "series_slug": "histsyn-co129-engine", "series_title": "CO129 Colonial Office Hong Kong Records 理藩院香港檔案", "series_use_hku_proxy": false, "document_key": "CO129-372 - Public Offices - 1910", "page_number": 34, "title": "CO129-372 - Public Offices - 1910", "content_text": "[This Document is the Property of His Britannic Majesty's Government.]\n\n32\n\nCO\n\n+4204\n\nCHINA RAILWAYS\n\nCONFIDENTIAL\n\n[14234]\n\nNo. 1.\n\n[April 21.]\n\n-12 MAY 10,\n\nSECTION 1.\n\nQuestion asked in the House of Commons, April 21, 1910.\n\nMr. Stewart,-To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, whether His Majesty's Government have received from their Minister in Peking a copy of, or details regarding the nature of, the agreement between Messrs. Pauling and Company and the Chinese Government, providing for the construction of the Chinchow-Aigun Railway by Messrs. Pauling and Company.\n\nAnswer by Mr. McKinnon Wood (for Sir E. Grey).\n\nThe answer is in the affirmative.\n\n[2706 x-1]", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-372 - Public Offices - 1910.txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 428694, "series_id": 27, "series_slug": "histsyn-co129-engine", "series_title": "CO129 Colonial Office Hong Kong Records 理藩院香港檔案", "series_use_hku_proxy": false, "document_key": "CO129-372 - Public Offices - 1910", "page_number": 35, "title": "CO129-372 - Public Offices - 1910", "content_text": "[This Document is the Property of His Britannic Majesty's Government.]\n\nC O\n\n33\n\n# CHINA RAILWAYS\n\n## CONFIDENTIAL\n\n[14251]\n\nNo. 1.\n\n14294\n\n[April 21.]\n\nSECTION\n\n12 M 10\n\nQuestion asked in the House of Commons, April 21, 1910.\n\nMr. Lincoln,-To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, whether, in view of the fact that the Japanese Government have opposed the construction of the Chinchow-Aigun Railway, which, apart from the junction, runs throughout on Chinese territory, he will say what action he proposes to take, in view of the Anglo-Japanese Treaty of 1905, one of the objects of which was the preservation of the common interests of all Powers in China by ensuring the independence and integrity of the Chinese Empire and the principle of equal opportunities for the commerce and industry of all nations in China.\n\nAnswer by Mr. McKinnon Wood (for Sir E. Grey).\n\nThe honourable member's question is based on a misapprehension of the facts. The Japanese claim participation in the line if it is built.\n\n[2706-2]", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-372 - Public Offices - 1910.txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 428695, "series_id": 27, "series_slug": "histsyn-co129-engine", "series_title": "CO129 Colonial Office Hong Kong Records 理藩院香港檔案", "series_use_hku_proxy": false, "document_key": "CO129-372 - Public Offices - 1910", "page_number": 36, "title": "CO129-372 - Public Offices - 1910", "content_text": "(This Document is the Property of His Britannic Majesty's Government.)\n\n# CHINA RAILWAYS\n\n## CONFIDENTIAL\n\nPage 34\n\nC O 14294\n\nApril 21, 1910\n\nSECTION 3\n\n12 MAY 10\n\n[14253]\n\nNo. 1\n\nQuestion asked in the House of Commons, April 21, 1910.\n\nMr. Stewart, To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, whether China has replied to Japan's demands for participation in the Chinchow-Aigun Railway; and, if so, what is the nature of the reply.\n\nAnswer by Mr. McKinnon Wood (for Sir E. Grey).\n\nI am not aware whether a reply has been made by China.\n\n[2706-31]\n\nPage 34", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-372 - Public Offices - 1910.txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 428737, "series_id": 27, "series_slug": "histsyn-co129-engine", "series_title": "CO129 Colonial Office Hong Kong Records 理藩院香港檔案", "series_use_hku_proxy": false, "document_key": "CO129-372 - Public Offices - 1910", "page_number": 78, "title": "CO129-372 - Public Offices - 1910", "content_text": "76\n\nThis Document is the Property of His Britannic Majesty's Government.]\n\nCHINA RAILWAYS.\n\n[March 4,\n\nC O\n\n15575\n\nCONFIDENTIAL.\n\nSECTION EC23 MAY 10\n\nNo. 1.\n\nMr. Max Müller to Sir Edward Grey.-(Received March 4.)\n\n[7497]\n\n(No. 40.) (Telegraphic.) P.\n\nCHINCHOW-AIGUN Railway.\n\nPeking, March 4, 1910.\n\nI was informed last night by my Russian colleague that he had yesterday sent the Wai-wu Pu a note embodying Russia's objections to this railway, based on commercial and still more on strategical considerations, and submitting the alternative proposal which you mentioned in your telegram No. 34 of the 1st instant.\n\nWhen he receives the Chinese Government's reply he will communicate it to me.\n\n[2667 d--4]", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-372 - Public Offices - 1910.txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 428738, "series_id": 27, "series_slug": "histsyn-co129-engine", "series_title": "CO129 Colonial Office Hong Kong Records 理藩院香港檔案", "series_use_hku_proxy": false, "document_key": "CO129-372 - Public Offices - 1910", "page_number": 79, "title": "CO129-372 - Public Offices - 1910", "content_text": "[This Document is the Property of His Britannic Majesty's Government.]\n\nCHINA RAILWAYS.\n\nC\n\nCONFIDENTIAL\n\n[8272]\n\nNo. 1.\n\n77\n\nCO 15575\n\n[March 9.]\n\nSECTION 2REC 23 MAY 10)\n\nMr. Max Müller to Sir Edward Grey,-(Received March 9.)\n\n(No. 47.) (Telegraphic.) P.\n\nKALGAN-KIAKHTA Railway,\n\nPeking, March 9, 1910.\n\nI told Lord ffrench, who called on me yesterday, that I had no instructions concerning the proposal of the Russian Government. He hoped arrangements would be made for the transfer of the contract rights which his firm had acquired in the Chinchow-Aigun line in the event of the ultimate adoption of the Kalgan-Kiakhta project. With reference to my telegram No. 40 of the 4th instant, I am informed by the Russian Minister that his proposal met with a very friendly reception from the Chinese Government, but, before replying, they said they must consult other interested parties. My Russian colleague told me that, during the eighteen months of his residence in Peking, proposals for the construction of the Kalgan-Kiakhta line from the British and China Corporation and two other groups had been refused consideration by his Government.\n\nMr. Schiff's utterances in New York, telegraphed here by Reuter, have, I presume, not escaped your notice.\n\n[2667 -2]", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-372 - Public Offices - 1910.txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 428740, "series_id": 27, "series_slug": "histsyn-co129-engine", "series_title": "CO129 Colonial Office Hong Kong Records 理藩院香港檔案", "series_use_hku_proxy": false, "document_key": "CO129-372 - Public Offices - 1910", "page_number": 81, "title": "CO129-372 - Public Offices - 1910", "content_text": "This Document is the Property of His Britannic Majesty's Government.\n\n79\n\nC\n\n[B]\n\nBritish subjects affected would, excluding residents who will be registered, be mainly, if not entirely, of two classes, namely, those arriving from treaty ports in China visiting or intending to travel in Manchuria, and travellers by the South Manchurian Railway. The former should all, if resident a month in any treaty port, have registration certificates and the latter passports—in cases registration certificates as well. The simplest course, then, would seem to be that a list of registered British subjects should be given to the Russian consul-general and that, as regards temporary sojourners, the police, if suspicious of them and in doubt as to their nationality, should refer to the consul-general, who could apply to this consulate for information on the point. It would, of course, be clearly understood that the police, as you informed M. Korostovetz, could in no case claim the right to examine the passports of British subjects, and any arrangement should, I think, be informal without prejudice to our exterritorial rights and any subsequent agreement regarding the status and municipal administration of Harbin.\n\nIn suggesting that the Russian consul-general might be furnished with a list of British subjects, I have had in mind that he would in any case always have the right to enquire whether such and such a person were a British subject, and that in most of the treaty ports—and Harbin will be among them—the jury list exhibited in a conspicuous place in the court contains the names of the majority of the male British residents. I ought, perhaps, to mention that M. Klementaski, who is often in charge of Messrs. Craig and Co. and is generally thought to be a British subject, is not so in fact, and his name would therefore be missing from any list supplied.\n\nMy German colleague tells me that his nationals, who are not compelled to register at ordinary treaty ports, desire to do so here and to have their names communicated to the police. \"I told him that I thought that any information which it might be considered advisable to give should go through the Russian consul-general, and I rather gathered that he agreed with this. Dr. Heintze expressed the opinion that it was the interest of us all to facilitate the police as far as one properly could on the ground that bad characters would be deterred from coming to Harbin if satisfied that they would not be able to escape observation, whatever their nationality.\n\nThe American consul has not been approached. While he would not, I think, be unwilling to answer an enquiry, I doubt if he would be prepared to recommend the furnishing of a list. At present, he has only two nationals, both employés of the Customs.\n\nShould you see no objection to the proposal to give a list of British subjects, the addition of their addresses might be allowed and would deprive the police of all excuse for wrongful entry.\n\nYours sincerely,\n\nH. E. SLY.\n\nCHINA RAILWAYS.\n\nCONFIDENTIAL.\n\n[15027]\n\nNo. 1.\n\n15575\n\n[May 2.]\n\nSECTION 1.\n\nRece REG 23 MAY 10\n\nSir C. MacDonald to Sir Edward Grey.—(Received May 2.)\n\n(No. 93. Confidential.)\n\nSir,\n\nSOME excitement was created here yesterday by an announcement in Reuter's Tokyo, April 15, 1910. telegram service, to the effect that you had stated in the House of Commons in reply to Mr. Arbuthnot that the concession for the financing and construction of the Kinchow-Aigun Railway had been signed and granted to American and British firms.\n\nAs it was Count Komura's reception day, I took the opportunity of asking his Excellency whether he had any news from Peking in confirmation of the above telegram. Count Komura replied that he had seen Reuter's telegram which had caused him some surprise, for he had had no news from Peking respecting the Chinchow-Aigun Railway for some weeks. Government were pressing very hard in Peking for the signature of the concession, He was aware that the American but he did not think it was actually signed, and he thought that you were, in the House of Commons, possibly alluding to the preliminary agreement signed some months ago. Only that morning he had heard from Mr. Kato by despatch that you had informed him that the American Government were trying to come to some arrangement with the Russian Government regarding the railway; the Japanese position remained the same. They were quite willing not to oppose the construction of the railway provided they were allowed to participate in the same; as I was aware, the terms of participation had been communicated to the Chinese Government, but to the present the Wai-wu Pu had not vouchsafed a reply.\n\nIn the ante-room I had a few minutes conversation with the Russian Ambassador, who was waiting his turn to interview the Secretary of State; in reply to my query M. Malevsky said that he had come on purpose to inquire regarding the telegram published by Reuter that morning; if the statement was true it would of course be a very serious matter. I told him that Count Komura had just told me that he had had no news from Peking and was inclined to think that the statement referred to the preliminary treaty signed some time ago at Mukden. M. Malevsky then said: \"Do you think these Japanese are not playing a double game, and are all this time negotiating with the Americans.\" To this somewhat naïve question I replied that during my nine years experience of the Japanese Government I had never known them to play a double game, indeed had found them, for a Government, exceedingly straightforward and honest. I might have added with great truth that my five years experience at Peking would certainly preclude my giving the Russian Government an equally good character. I said that in my opinion Reuter had probably not stated the case correctly; if the final agreement had been signed, which was of course possible, we should soon hear of it. M. Malevsky agreed with my estimate of the Japanese Government so far as his short experience went, and added a high tribute to the frankness and straightforwardness of the present Foreign Minister, Count Komura.\n\nI have, &c.\n\nCLAUDE M. MACDONALD.\n\n[2761 6-1]", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-372 - Public Offices - 1910.txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 428749, "series_id": 27, "series_slug": "histsyn-co129-engine", "series_title": "CO129 Colonial Office Hong Kong Records 理藩院香港檔案", "series_use_hku_proxy": false, "document_key": "CO129-372 - Public Offices - 1910", "page_number": 90, "title": "CO129-372 - Public Offices - 1910", "content_text": "This Document is the Property of His Britannic Majesty's Government\n\n15898\n\nCHINA RAILWAYS.\n\nCONFIDENTIAL.\n\n[14732]\n\nNo. 1.\n\nRegE 27 MAY 10 [April 27]\n\nSECTION 1.\n\nQuestions asked in the House of Commons, April 27, 1910.\n\nMr. Remnant (for Earl Winterton),-To ask whether the objections raised by Russia to the construction by China of the Chinchow-Aigun Railway were consistent with the undertakings given by Russia in the Portsmouth Treaty of Peace, and especially articles 3 and 4 of that treaty, and with the Russia-China Secret Treaty of 1895, and especially article 4 of that treaty.\n\nThe Honourable Member also asked whether the attitude of Japan towards the proposed construction by China of the Chinchow-Aigun Railway was consistent with the Portsmouth Treaty of Peace, and especially, with articles 3 and 4 of that treaty; and whether this attitude was consistent with clause 7 of the Treaty of 1905 between China and Japan, and with paragraph (b) of the preamble of the Anglo-Japanese Alliance of 1905.\n\nAnswer by Mr. McKinnon Wood (for Sir E. Grey).\n\nI beg to reply to the noble Lord's two questions on this subject together. I have nothing to add to the replies which I have already made in regard to this matter, to the effect that there appears to be nothing unreasonable in the attitude of either Russia or Japan, and that it is not for His Majesty's Government to define the rights and interests of other Powers in the regions affected.\n\n[2706 dd-1]\n\n88\n\nPage 90\n\nPage 91", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-372 - Public Offices - 1910.txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 428750, "series_id": 27, "series_slug": "histsyn-co129-engine", "series_title": "CO129 Colonial Office Hong Kong Records 理藩院香港檔案", "series_use_hku_proxy": false, "document_key": "CO129-372 - Public Offices - 1910", "page_number": 91, "title": "CO129-372 - Public Offices - 1910", "content_text": "This Document is the Property of His Britannic Majesty's Government.)\n\n89\n\n15898\n\n[B]\n\n# CHINA RAILWAYS\n\n## CONFIDENTIAL\n\n[15884]\n\nNo. 1.\n\nRECO\n\nREG 27 MAY 10 [May 9.]\n\nSECTION 2.\n\n(No. 222.) Sir,\n\nSir A. Nicolson to Sir Edward Grey.-(Received May 9,)\n\nSt. Petersburgh, May 5, 1910.\n\nM. SAZONOW gave me this afternoon, for my confidential information, copy of a memorandum which had been received from the United States Government in regard to the Chinchow-Aigun railway. I have the honour to transmit a copy of the document.\n\nM. Sazonow told me that the United States Ambassador, previous to his recent departure from here on leave of absence, had said that there was no immediate necessity for the Russian Government to hasten in giving a reply, and I daresay that Mr. Rockhill desires to confer with his Government on the subject. M. Sazonow remarked that the Russian Government could not well obstruct the construction of the line from Chinchow to Tsitsihar, though it would mean a loss of between 5,000,000 and 6,000,000 roubles annually to the Eastern Siberian line. He intended to speak with M. Isvolsky on the subject, but as there was apparently no objection to the Russian Government taking their time over a reply, the matter could be thoroughly considered and examined before formulating an answer.\n\nI have, &c.\n\nA. NICOLSON.\n\n## Enclosure in No. 1\n\nMemorandum communicated to Russian Ambassador at Washington by United States Government, April 5 (18), 1910.\n\nTHE Government of the United States has given most careful consideration to the memorandum of the Imperial Russian Government, presented to the embassy at Washington on the 24th February, 1910.\n\nThe American Government learns with regret that thus far the Imperial Russian Government still inclines to the view that the projected railway from Chinchow to Aigun, to be built by China by means of a foreign loan, would be injurious to the national and economic interests of Russia, as seemed, at the time, to be apprehended also of the more comprehensive proposals of the United States.\n\nThe rights of American citizens in the projected Chinchow-Tsitsihar-Aigun line, like those of the British company concerned, are based upon a contract ratified by the Imperial Chinese Government. In lending its support to this enterprise on the part of its nationals the American Government has felt that it was acting, not only in harmony with its traditional policy relating to China, but also in full accord with its broad rights under existing treaties. In view of this policy, which has repeatedly been recognised and accepted by the Powers, the Government of the United States could scarcely be supposed in any way to commit itself to a recognition of exclusive rights of any Power within any portion of the Chinese Empire under agreements such as that of 1899 between Russia and China, referred to in the memorandum of the Imperial Russian Government, even if it did not seem incontrovertible that these had been spontaneously superseded precisely by the terms of other subsequent treaty provisions on the part of Russia.\n\nThis principle, indeed, has long been generally accepted by the Powers, including the Imperial Russian Government, notably in the exchange of notes of 1899 and 1902, relating to the policy of equal opportunity throughout the Chinese Empire, and it has more recently been reaffirmed in numerous international agreements until it has become an integral part of the law governing and controlling the relations and intercourse of the interested nations.\n\n[2761 -2]", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-372 - Public Offices - 1910.txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 428751, "series_id": 27, "series_slug": "histsyn-co129-engine", "series_title": "CO129 Colonial Office Hong Kong Records 理藩院香港檔案", "series_use_hku_proxy": false, "document_key": "CO129-372 - Public Offices - 1910", "page_number": 92, "title": "CO129-372 - Public Offices - 1910", "content_text": "90\n\n2\n\nMoreover, having in view the rights enjoyed by the Government of the United States under prior treaties, it should be observed that the Government of China obviously could not, by means of preferential agreements with any single Power, dispose of rights which it had already granted by treaty generally to other nations, and the United States would therefore be forced to contend that to invoke, in derogation of general treaty rights, such an agreement as the Russo-Chinese understanding of 1899 might nullify stipulations of Treaties between China and foreign Powers, and thus seriously curtail the rights of the nationals of other countries.\n\nWhile the Government of the United States is led to make this candid statement of what it would hold to be the indisputable rights of its own nationals under its treaties with China, it is confident that the relations of friendship that have so long obtained between the two countries must absolutely preclude the idea that the American Government is in any respect unmindful of the important interests of Russia in Eastern Asia.\n\nThe Government of the United States has from the first freely given repeated assurances of its sincere desire for co-operation with Russia in the matter of the construction of railways in China, and it rests confident in the belief that the Imperial Russian Government is not unappreciative of the assurances so given.\n\nFrom this point of view it naturally follows that the American Government welcomes the principle of the proposal of the Imperial Russian Government (as to a possible line from Kalgan to Kiakhta) for the especial reasons that it is happy to see therein the clearest expression of a reciprocal disposition on the part of Russia to co-operate with the United States in jointly aiding China's railway and commercial development. It is peculiarly gratifying to the United States to find this new reason to hope that the same principle as that embodied in the American proposals of last December may yet find useful fruition through its appeal to the wise policy of the Imperial Russian Government.\n\nWithout further examination of a possible Kalgan-Kiakhta project as an independent one, and without proceeding to a consideration of such fundamental questions as that of China's disposition in the matter, the conditions of possible participation, &c., the Government of the United States ventures to revert, then, to the Chinchow-Aigun project.\n\nWhile the Government of the United States, for the reasons already given, could not be expected to admit the right of any third Power to obstruct the lawful enterprise of American citizens in any part of the Empire of China, and has, moreover, no reason to believe that Russia would wish to assert any such right, it is at the same time prepared to use its influence with its own nationals and with the Chinese Government to secure the full and friendly consideration of such modifications of the Chinchow-Tsitsihar-Aigun project as the Imperial Government of Russia might wish to propose. The American Government has, indeed, taken the greatest pleasure in instructing its representative at Peking in this sense.\n\nLooking to the eventuality of avail by Russia of the opportunity thus created, the American Government would suggest as a practical step that, so soon as an agreement is reached in principle between the interested Governments, the details of the Chinchow-Tsitsihar-Aigün line and of the possible modifications of the project should be referred to the representatives of the respective financial groups and of the Chinese Government, who are primarily concerned in any phase of these projects—whether the more comprehensive or a single line.\n\nPending further discussion of broader plans of co-operation the American group's representative at Peking and his British associate are desirous of making precise the practical provisions for at least the first stages of the Chinchow-Tsitsihar-Aigun line, to which it is believed there can be no possible objection, and the American Government hopes that, in view of the present fair prospects of more important co-operation and of harmony of policy, the Imperial Russian Government will now find it consistent with its broader policy to authorise its representative at Peking to reassure the Government of China of the withdrawal of Russia's remonstrance—a deference for which, due to Russia's universally recognised interests, has alone delayed the efforts of those concerned.\n\nForeign\n\n1910\n\n31 May\n\n16646\n\n16646/231119)\n\nFor Castence Axoses of Tropical Medicine\n\nopen\n\nLast previous Paper. No objection to meeting their writer for certain mijn to be supplied question at meeting 41912\n\nTrang trí càng\n\nODI\n\nJ. Shath Collin\n\nAu also 15792. I am circulating 16120\n\nSeparately with the art other pp: which are not wanted to the point. Oft heirth.\n\nof fleston 260\n\nTo 1.0., 14\n\nTo for Straits\n\ncase be suziatipic\n\nhosts tha dash on d\n\nby 49474\n\nB\n\n(16,856) Wt.21,656-1, 10,000 11, A&EW.\n\nText subsequent Paper.\n\nHof C\n\n17439\n\n7.0\n\n14859/11", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-372 - Public Offices - 1910.txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 428766, "series_id": 27, "series_slug": "histsyn-co129-engine", "series_title": "CO129 Colonial Office Hong Kong Records 理藩院香港檔案", "series_use_hku_proxy": false, "document_key": "CO129-372 - Public Offices - 1910", "page_number": 107, "title": "CO129-372 - Public Offices - 1910", "content_text": "105\n\n[This Document is the Property of His Britannic Majesty's Government (\n\n2\n\nstating that the people are very anxious to collect capital for the line, they are therefore permitted to formally establish a company for the collection of capital. In the future, as regards railway matters, the settled and satisfactory method adopted by the provinces of Hunan and Kwantung should be kept in view, and an Imperial decree applied for giving authority to act in conformity therewith.\"\n\nYour Highness,\n\nEnclosure 2 in No. 1.\n\nMr. Max Müller to Prince Ch'ing.\n\nPeking, April 22, 1910. ON the 24th March last the Yu Chuan Pu published an order authorising the gentry of Hupei to form a railway company to raise capital and to prepare for the issue of shares, in the same manner as the companies already established in Hunan and Kuangtung.\n\nAs this decree might well be interpreted in a sense unfavourable to the undertakings entered into with the International Syndicate regarding certain railway lines to be built in the provinces of Hupei and Hunan, I have the honour to request your Highness to be so good as to inform me of the intentions of the Imperial Government in the matter.\n\nI take this opportunity to call your Highness's attention to my note of the 12th February last respecting the same question, and to remind you that I have as yet received no reply.\n\nI avail, &c.\n\nW. G. MAX MÜLLER.\n\nCHINA RAILWAYS.\n\nCONFIDENTIAL.\n\n16664\n\n[May 9]\n\nRLCo\n\n2- JUN 10\n\nSECTION 3.\n\n[15998]\n\nNo. 1.\n\nMr. Max Müller to Sir Edward Grey.-(Received May 9.)\n\n(No. 112.) Sir,\n\nPeking, April 18, 1910. I HAVE the honour to transmit to you herewith copies of two letters addressed to me by Lord Ffrench, the Peking representative of Messrs. Pauling and Co., in connection with the Chinchow-Aigun Railway agreement.\n\nIn the first letter Lord Ffrench informs me that the partial control in the operation of the proposed railway, which had been secured to the American group and Messrs. Pauling and Co. by the agreement of the 2nd October, 1909, had been abandoned, presumably prior to the issue of the Imperial Edict on the 20th January, and that the railway would be administered and controlled solely by the Chinese Government. Lord Ffrench came to see me the day before yesterday, and told me that he had given this information to the Minister on the very day that he was taken ill; and he asked me whether, in view of certain references made by you, Sir, in Parliament to Messrs. Pauling's arrangement with the Chinese Government in regard to the proposed railway as constituting a \"concession,\" I would not telegraph to you that the elimination of control on their part in the operation of the railway places their agreement any outside the category of \"concessions.\"\n\nThe same day I received in the China Railways print a copy of Messrs. Pauling's letter to the Foreign Office of the 14th February, from which I see that you are already in possession of information to the same effect. I have informed Lord Ffrench of this, and told him that under the circumstances I shall only forward a copy of his letter to you by post.\n\nIn his second letter Lord Ffrench requests me to inform you that the agreement between Messrs. Pauling and Co. and the American group in regard to the financing and construction of the proposed railway between Chinchow and Aigun has been ratified.\n\nMr. Straight tells me that he is leaving for St. Petersburgh on the 28th instant, his intention being, I understand, to endeavour to persuade the Russian Government to withdraw their opposition to the construction of the line at all events as far as Taitsibar.\n\nI have, &c.\n\nW. G. MAX MÜLLER,\n\nSir,\n\nEnclosure 1 in No. 1.\n\nLord Ffrench to Mr. Max Müller.\n\nPeking, April 16, 1910. I HAVE the honour to inform you that on the 6th October, 1909, I handed to his Excellency Sir John Jordan a copy of an agreement, dated the 2nd October, 1909, entered into between the Viceroy of Manchuria, the American group, and Messrs. Pauling and Co. (Limited). This agreement provided for the financing, construction, and operation after completion, of the proposed railway from Chinchow to Aigun. I subsequently informed his Excellency Sir John Jordan on the 22nd January, 1910, that by mutual arrangement between the Chinese authorities, the American group, and Messrs. Pauling and Co. (Limited), the partial control in the operation of the proposed railway, vested in the American group and Messrs. Pauling and Co. (Limited) by the agreement of the 2nd October, 1909, had been abandoned, and that the railway after completion would be administered and controlled solely by the Chinese Government. His Majesty's Minister for Foreign Affairs having recently referred to our arrangements with the Chinese authorities with regard to the proposed railway as a \"concession,\" I have now the honour to further call your attention to the fact that the elimination of any", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-372 - Public Offices - 1910.txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 428767, "series_id": 27, "series_slug": "histsyn-co129-engine", "series_title": "CO129 Colonial Office Hong Kong Records 理藩院香港檔案", "series_use_hku_proxy": false, "document_key": "CO129-372 - Public Offices - 1910", "page_number": 108, "title": "CO129-372 - Public Offices - 1910", "content_text": "2\n\ncontrol on our part over the railway when completed places the business outside the category of a concession,\" and to request you to be good enough to further call the attention of His Majesty's Government by cable to the alteration in the agreement of the 2nd October, 1909, and our contention is respect thereof.\n\nI have, &c.\n\nFFRENCH.\n\nThis Document is the Property of His Britannic Majesty's Government.]\n\n[B]\n\nCHINA RAILWAYS.\n\nCONFIDENTIAL.\n\n16664\n\nRECE 6 May 12 JUN 10,\n\nSECTION 1.\n\nEnclosure 2 in No. 1.\n\nLord Ffrench to Mr. Max Müller,\n\nSir,\n\nPeking, April 16, 1910. I HAVE the honour to inform you that on the 30th September, 1909, I notified his Excellency Sir John Jordan that Messrs. Pauling and Co. (Limited) proposed entering into an agreement with the American group, providing for their mutual interests and co-operation in the construction and financing of the proposed railway between Chinchow and Aigun. I also informed his Excellency that this agreement contemplated the financing of the railway being reserved to the American group and their associates on the condition that the railway in question should be built by Messrs. Pauling and Co. (Limited). In accordance with a construction contract to be entered into between them and the Chinese authorities, and that it was also agreed that half the materials purchased abroad should be American, provided that the price was not in excess of current European market rates.\n\nI have now the honour to inform you that the proposed agreement between the two firms in question has since been ratified, and to request that you will be good enough to communicate this information to His Majesty's Government.\n\nI have, &c.\n\nFFRENCH.\n\n[16827]\n\nNo. 1.\n\nPapers communicated by Mr. C. S. Addis, May 12,\n\n(1.)\n\nM. St. Simon to Mr. C. S. Addis.\n\n Cher Mr. Addis,\n\nParis, le 11 mai, 1910. JE vous envoie, ci-joint, copie de la lettre que nous avons adressée aujourd'hui à notre Ministère des Affaires Etrangères, en lui remettant le texte du mémorandum que nous avons arrêté hier.\n\nVotre bien dévoué,\n\nM. le Ministre,\n\n(2.)\n\nM. St. Simon to M. Pichon.\n\nST. SIMON.\n\nParis, le 11 mai, 1910. Nous avons l'honneur de vous adresser, ci-joint, la copie d'un mémorandum arrêté entre nous et le représentant du groupe anglais, et que nous savons correspondre aux vues des deux autres groupes dans l'emprunt du Houkouang.\n\nCe document apporte la solution indiquée par votre département à la question des ingénieurs en chef et constate l'échange fait entre le groupe anglais et nous de la dernière section du Chemin de Fer Hankéou-Tchengtu.\n\nEn portant ce document à votre connaissance, nous vous serions reconnaissants de vouloir bien le faire parvenir à M. Paul Cambon, en lui donnant les instructions nécessaires pour que notre Ambassadeur à Londres puisse en entretenir le Foreign Office.\n\nVeuillez, &c.\n\n(3.)\n\nMemorandum.\n\nBy an agreement dated the 14th and 15th May, 1909, it was agreed as regards the appointment of chief-engineers of the Szechuan Railway that the line should be divided into three equal sections between the German, the French, and the British groups respectively.\n\nAn American group having since preferred a claim to participation, and this claim having been admitted by the above three groups, it is hereby agreed to alter the above division of three into four equal engineering sections as follows:-\n\nGermans 800 kilom, chief-engineer, of which 200 kilom, American sub-engineer. Americans: 200 kilom, sub-engineer, plus 400 kilom. chief-engineer. English: 600 kilom. chief-engineer. French: 600 kilom. chief-engineer.\n\nAny surplus remaining over to be divided in terms of the said intergroup agreement of the 14th and 15th May, except that the division shall be between the American, British, and French groups in equal proportion, but not so as to exceed the length of 800 kilom. for each group.\n\n[2761 m-1]\n\n106", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-372 - Public Offices - 1910.txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 428912, "series_id": 27, "series_slug": "histsyn-co129-engine", "series_title": "CO129 Colonial Office Hong Kong Records 理藩院香港檔案", "series_use_hku_proxy": false, "document_key": "CO129-372 - Public Offices - 1910", "page_number": 253, "title": "CO129-372 - Public Offices - 1910", "content_text": "[B]\n\n[This Document is the Property of His Britannic Majesty's Government.] 251\n\nCHINA RAILWAYS.\n\nCONFIDENTIAL.\n\nC\n\nO\n\n19141\n\n[June 6.]\n\nSECTION 23 JUN 10,\n\n[20105]\n\nNo. 1.\n\nMr. Max Müller to Sir Edward Grey.-(Received June 6.)\n\n(No. 155.) Sir,\n\nPeking, May 16, 1910. WITH reference to Sir John Jordan's despatch No. 452 of the 14th October, 1908, I have the honour to transmit to you herewith copy of a despatch from His Majesty's consul at Newchwang reporting that the Manchurian authorities have decided to commence making a commercial port at Hulutao, a bay situated approximately in longitude 118° 40' east and latitude 40° 45′ north, which is to be the sea terminus of the proposed Chinchow-Aigun Railway. Hulutao lies only a few miles east of Lien Shan on the line of the Imperial Northern Railway, and a short connecting line will, it is said, be built between these two places.\n\nAs the work is to be entrusted to Mr. Hughes, it is to be feared that the project will interfere with the progress of the scheme for the conservancy of the Liao River, as to which I regret to see from Mr. Wilkinson's despatch that the negotiations with regard to the provision of the sum of 200,000 dollars by the provincial authorities have made no advance.\n\nEnclosure in No. 1.\n\nI have, &c.\n\nW. G. MAX MÜLLER.\n\nConsul Wilkinson to Mr. Max Müller.\n\n(No. 14.) Sir,\n\nNewchwang, May 7, 1910. I WAS informed this morning by Mr. Hughes, the consulting engineer to the Moukden Government, that it has been decided by the provincial authorities to commence at once the work of making a commercial harbour at Hulutao. The work is to be carried out in accordance with the plan which he submitted to the Viceroy last year, and is, as far as he can understand, to be under his sole supervision.\n\nIn my intelligence report for March quarter I mentioned that the authorities were not entirely satisfied with the harbour scheme originally drawn up by Mr. Hughes, which, in their opinion, was not of sufficiently ambitious a nature. Under this scheme accommodation is to be provided, at an estimated cost of 415,000l., for fifteen large steamers within an area five times the size of the harbour at Dairen, enclosed by a pier 100 feet broad and 13,000 feet in length. The authorities, on the other hand, wanted the pier to be 400 feet across, and to enclose an area large enough to accommodate thirty steamers, and they were also anxious that a dock should be thrown in, their idea, no doubt, being to make the place a naval as well as a commercial harbour.\n\nMr. Hughes has, however, been able to persuade the authorities that the additions desired by them, which would raise the cost of the work to 1,000,000l., are unnecessary, since the accommodation furnished will be amply sufficient for all the possible requirements of the port, and it appears to have been finally decided not to alter his plans, but to let him carry them out himself as soon as his services at Shuang Tai Tzu, where the dam is now in course of construction, can be spared. Funds are to be provided by the American syndicate represented by Mr. Straight, which, it is stated, has already placed the sum of 1,000,000 taels at the disposal of the Viceroy.\n\nThe necessary\n\nIf Mr. Hughes's services are to be utilised for the work at Hulutao, I am afraid that the difficulty of carrying through our conservancy scheme at this port will be considerably increased, since it will be scarcely possible for him to undertake the two works simultaneously. The conservancy scheme, I may mention, has made no progress\n\n[2792 ƒ~~1]", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-372 - Public Offices - 1910.txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 428947, "series_id": 27, "series_slug": "histsyn-co129-engine", "series_title": "CO129 Colonial Office Hong Kong Records 理藩院香港檔案", "series_use_hku_proxy": false, "document_key": "CO129-372 - Public Offices - 1910", "page_number": 288, "title": "CO129-372 - Public Offices - 1910", "content_text": "This Document is the Property of His Britannic Majesty's Government.]\n\nREC\n\nC O\n\n20141\n\n286\n\nRea? 1 JUL 10\n\nCHINA RAILWAYS,\n\nCONFIDENTIAL.\n\n[4618]\n\nNo. 1.\n\nFebruary 8.]\n\nSECTION 4.\n\nMr. Max Müller to Sir Edward Grey.--(Received February 8.)\n\n(No. 24.) (Telegraphic.) R.\n\nPeking, February 8, 1910.\n\nYOUR telegram No. 23 [of 5th February: Chinchow-Aigun Railway]. I made communication as instructed at the Wai-wu Pu this afternoon. Liang-tun-Yen requested me to inform you that Chinese Government are anxious to receive definite proposals as to participation from Russian and Japanese Governments, and would consider such proposals in a friendly spirit. He has already so informed Russian and Japanese Ministers. He gave me the impression that he would be grateful if His Majesty's Government would expedite communication of some definite proposals from Russia and Japan.\n\nI have informed United States chargé d'affaires of my instructions. (Sent to Tokyo.)\n\n[2631 -4]", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-372 - Public Offices - 1910.txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 428950, "series_id": 27, "series_slug": "histsyn-co129-engine", "series_title": "CO129 Colonial Office Hong Kong Records 理藩院香港檔案", "series_use_hku_proxy": false, "document_key": "CO129-372 - Public Offices - 1910", "page_number": 291, "title": "CO129-372 - Public Offices - 1910", "content_text": "[This Document is the Property of His Britannic Majesty's Government.]\n\n289\n\n# CHINA RAILWAYS\n\n**CONFIDENTIAL**\n\n[21457]\n\nNo. 1.\n\nC\n\n(June 16\n\n20141\n\n## SECTION 1.\n\nRece Bro2 1 J 10\n\n(No. 169.) Sir,\n\nMr. Max Müller to Sir Edward Grey.-(Received June 16.)\n\nPeking, May 27, 1910.\n\nWITH reference to my despatch No. 155 of the 16th instant, I have the honour to transmit herewith a copy of a despatch from His Majesty's consul-general at Mukden confirming Mr. Wilkinson's information as to the intention of the provincial authorities of Manchuria to proceed with the construction of a harbour at Hu Lu Tao on the plans submitted by Mr. Hughes.\n\nFrom a conversation I have had with Lord ffrench I gather that it is very unlikely that the American group would advance the necessary money unless the contract for the construction of the harbour were given to Messrs. Paulings. Lord ffrench knows nothing of any decision either on the part of the provincial or of the central Government to proceed with the construction of any portion of the Chinchow-Aigun Railway without awaiting the conclusion of an agreement with either Russia or Japan, and he was convinced that if any such decision had been come to the Viceroy would have let him know, and to his mind it would be curious policy to commence constructing the harbour before the question of the line was settled.\n\nI have, &c.\n\nW. G. MAX MÜLLER.\n\n### Enclosure in No. 1.\n\nConsul-General Willis to Mr. Max Müller.\n\n(No. 27. Confidential.) Sir,\n\nMukden, May 24, 1910.\n\nMR. WILLOUGHBY HUGHES, a civil engineer in the employ of the Manchurian Government called on me yesterday, and informed me that the provincial authorities had told him they were now prepared to proceed with the scheme he had drawn up for the construction of a harbour at Hu Lu Tao. Mr. Hughes estimates roughly the cost of the works at 4,000,000 taels, and for this sum he will provide wharf accommodation for sixteen steamers.\n\nFrom Mr. Hughes' observations during the past two winters it would seem that the harbour will in all probability be ice-free except for a period of from three weeks to a month from about the middle of January onward.\n\nThe money for this enterprise, Mr. Hughes thought, was to be provided by the American group represented in China by Mr. W. D. Straight, the harbour scheme being in connection with the proposed Chinchow-Aigun Railway, which the Chinese Government had now decided to build, at any rate, as far as Tao Nan Fu, leaving the question of connection with the Russian line open for discussion at a more favourable opportunity.\n\nMr. Hughes also informed me that steps were being taken to form a Chinese syndicate for the opening of coal mines at Pei Piao, about 50 miles north-east of Chinchow.\n\nFrom conversations I have had recently with the Commissioner of the Mukden Foreign Bureau I have gathered that it has been for some time past the desire of the provincial authorities to make a start on the Chinchow line without awaiting the conclusion of any agreement with either Russia or Japan, and it would appear from Mr. Hughes' information that the central Government have now been brought to acquiesce in their views.\n\nMr. Hughes, who asked that the conversation should be treated as confidential, promised that he would later send me a map showing the details of the proposed construction works at Hu Lu Tao.\n\nI have, &c.\n\nROBERT WILLIS,\n\n[2792 q-1]", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-372 - Public Offices - 1910.txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 429067, "series_id": 27, "series_slug": "histsyn-co129-engine", "series_title": "CO129 Colonial Office Hong Kong Records 理藩院香港檔案", "series_use_hku_proxy": false, "document_key": "CO129-372 - Public Offices - 1910", "page_number": 408, "title": "CO129-372 - Public Offices - 1910", "content_text": "405\n\n12\n\nEnclosure 8 in No. 1.\n\nNotes by Mr. Davey on Mr. Little's Memorandum.\n\nI HAVE read Mr. Little's report through very carefully, and as far as it concerns this locality I cannot take any exception whatever to it. During the past few weeks I have not had time to visit certain friends to obtain reliable information, but the following remarks are based upon observations of earlier date :-\n\nPartition. This idea was very much talked about a few months ago, when several well-to-do and officially-connected friends asked if it were true; and the impression left upon me was that they were convinced that foreigners intended to partition the country.\n\nStudents as Volunteers.--Last year the students requested to be supplied with arms to practice, &c., but the Governor-General thought his own skin might be endangered thereby.\n\nAnti-foreign Placards.----These are so recent here that they do not call for comment. Though not done so openly now I am convinced the ferment still exists. The students have their meeting days.\n\n(Confidential.)\n\nSome time ago I mentioned that the Governor-General had received information that an attempt was to be made upon his life, and how he had surrounded himself with a bodyguard of forty men, who are not to leave him day nor night. This information was imparted to me confidentially by a brother of the superintendent of the river police, through whom I believe the information reached the Governor-General.\n\nPeculation has been fruitful. Railway Loans.-The same antagonism exists here.\n\nI have every reason to believe that the late staff of accountants did everything in their power to get the Tungshih Chu (Board of Directors) to state their accounts were correct, and thus throw the onus upon their predecessors. They have a new set now, who will be no better than their predecessors in peculations.\n\nSubsidise a paper, and it will never speak evil of you. Recent publications in this city will prove it.\n\nDevils are Comet. Many superstitious rumours are now in vogue around us. flying everywhere around us, and many affirm that they have heard them running over the roofs.\n\nFinances are bad.---The banks demand high rates of interest; in my opinion not a true sign of real prosperity.\n\nTreasury is said to be all but empty here.\n\nThe Provincial Assembly.--Also anti-foreign.\n\nEnclosure 9 in No. 1.\n\nW. J. DAVEY.\n\nNotes by Mr. Hamilton on Mr. Little's Memorandum,\n\nIT is quite apparent that there is some unrest among the Chinese at this time. Especially so may this be said of Chengtu: rumours of various kinds, mostly of a depraved nature, are freely circulated, and these bear fruit in scornful and supercilious glances from the people, especially the semi-educated people, that one daily meets on the streets. These rumours are not quite recent: even last summer the opening of graves, and the stealing of bones-especially the frontal bone-for the purpose of being used in the manufacture of smokeless powder, was very rife. Rumour is always busy in China: how can it be otherwise with a people having little to do, little else to discuss, and mentally drawn to all that is curious, strange, and depraved? But again, they die, especially if the powers that be take steps to contradict and punish the rumour-spreader.\n\nOne feels the seriousness of being asked to make any remarks on this question; and again things differ so tremendously, but so far as I can form a judgment on this matter, I should say that there is small likelihood of anything very serious happening. Time after time, especially since the Emperor Kuang-hsu's death and before, it was said that there would be serious, very serious, troubles, and yet events have proved otherwise, especially in this part of Szechuan. Personally, I think there are a good number of Chinese who would delight in a row, but they know, and the powers that be know, that such a game cannot be played yet. In fact, over and over again, men in responsible positions have affirmed that another trouble like the Boxer trouble means a partitioned China, and so such tendencies to destroy, to exterminate the foreigner, have to be kept in check, and in the meanwhile we can only hope that constant intercourse that becomes intimate destroys this feeling of antipathy to the foreigner and his ways.\n\nE. A. HAMILTON.\n\nSir,\n\nEnclosure 10 in No. 1.\n\nRev. J. Vale to Consul-General Wilkinson,\n\n[Undated.]\n\nIN reply to your request for some notes on the present condition of things in this province, I beg to present the following as being as near as I can judge a fair presentation of the case :-\n\n1st. The Carved Melon Scare.--During the whole of my journey through the province from Hupeh to Chengtu I never heard a word about this, though I mixed freely with all classes.\n\n2nd. Railway Loans.-I should judge from what I heard that the feeling is still strong against contracting any loan for the Szechuan-Hankow line. I gathered, though, that many would favour the employment of foreign engineers to build the line.\n\n3rd. Newspapers.-The following from \"Chinese Recorder,\" March 1910, by the editor of the \"Ta-t'ung Pao\" (Rev. W. A. Cornaby), fairly represents the newspaper attitude-\n\n\"But now (after having reviewed the past anti-foreign crusade) one has to report with pleasure that, yielding to various influences and appeals, the Shanghai papers for the whole of January onwards, and the provincial press in many parts from the middle of January, has been wonderfully mild and moderate as regards foreign policy, and even the Chinchow-Aigun Railway loan scheme (23rd January) evoked no word of criticism, though set forth in the teeth of numerous articles of the previous year, written at white heat ....; a new era of journalistic sanity seems to have dawned.\"\n\nThe Szechuan press has no power in forming public opinion, and the effect of the changed attitude above referred to seems to be that newspaper agitation was ceased.\n\n4th. Officials-anti-Foreign.-This is nothing new; a certain class of these officials always has been, and apparently always will be, anti-foreign, but the majority know too well that to stir up anti-foreign feeling amongst the people is to endanger their own positions and lives. I have heard of no such thing in this province. Many officials are exceedingly pro-Chinese, and sometimes go too far in this line, but because they are pro-Chinese, that does not prove that they are plotting to repeat the Boxer movement again.\n\n5th. Voluntary Subscriptions.-The movement seems to have died out.\n\n6th. The Comet.--I have heard no rumours regarding this.\n\n7th. Provincial Assemblies.-These bodies will doubtless be strongly pro-Chinese, and doubtless they will soon come in conflict with the Government.\n\n8th. Loyalty of the Troops.-Herein is, to my mind, the great danger. I have heard of nothing to give one the idea that the troops in this province are in any way disaffected, but the whole army is so under the control of secret society men, that It is almost certain that any movement, whether anti-foreign or anti-dynastic, that showed signs of success, would see the whole army joining its ranks.\n\nFinally, rumours and local uprisings are the usual spring crop of troubles in this province. Anything that has arisen is nothing more than in ordinary years. We have, however, to add this, that undoubtedly there is a strong anti-dynastic movement under the surface of things, and also a desire to use any anti-foreign feeling in the country to get things \"moving,\" in order to further this anti-dynastic movement.\n\nWe also must add that the people are almost at the limit of their endurance of taxation, which will, sooner or later, end in a rising. Further, a deep-rooted hatred is growing against the officials, who are openly spoken of as \"robbers of the people.\"", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-372 - Public Offices - 1910.txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 429069, "series_id": 27, "series_slug": "histsyn-co129-engine", "series_title": "CO129 Colonial Office Hong Kong Records 理藩院香港檔案", "series_use_hku_proxy": false, "document_key": "CO129-372 - Public Offices - 1910", "page_number": 410, "title": "CO129-372 - Public Offices - 1910", "content_text": "[This Document is the Property of His Britannic Majesty's Government.]\n\n[B]\n\n# CHINA RAILWAYS.\n\n**CONFIDENTIAL.**\n\n[23865]\n\nNo. 1.\n\n[July 4.]\n\n## SECTION 1.\n\nMr. O'Beirne to Sir Edward Grey. (Received July 4.)\n\n(No. 289.) Sir,\n\nSt. Petersburgh, June 28, 1910.\n\nMR. STRAIGHT, an American gentleman representing Messrs. Kuhn, Loeb and Co., Messrs. Morgan, and two other of the largest New York banking houses, has been in St. Petersburgh during the last few days, and has been received by M. Stolypin, by the Finance and War Ministers, and by M. Isvolsky. His object, as M. Isvolsky informs me, was to induce the Russian Government to reconsider their objections to the Chinchow-Aigun Railway scheme. He had explained that the projected railway was a purely commercial undertaking free from any political arrière-pensée, and he had advanced arguments to show that economically it would be in no way prejudicial to Russian interests.\n\nM. Isvolsky remarked to me that the Russian Government had quite recently ascertained, as a result of a survey made of the proposed line, that the railway could not of itself be a remunerative undertaking, because two-thirds of the country through which it would run between Chinchow and Tsitsihar were either mountainous or practically unproductive. It was true that the line would tap the traffic of the Chinese Eastern Railway, but it would itself create no new traffic of any great importance. His Excellency said that he had pointed out that fact to Mr. Straight, and had drawn his attention to the influence that the syndicates which he represented were really encouraging China in the pursuit of political objects opposed to Russia's interests in Manchuria. Mr. Straight had taken the line of maintaining that China was at perfect liberty to build railways within her territory where she pleased, and he had, in fact, intimated that the American financiers concerned intended to carry through their concession, whether it was agreeable to Russia or not. He seems to have particularly irritated the Minister for Foreign Affairs by saying that China had but little confidence that Russia would ever restore the Chinese Eastern Railway to her. M. Isvolsky had stated to Mr. Straight emphatically that the Chinchow-Aigun Railway was objectionable to Russia, both on strategic and economic grounds, and that the Russian Government would use the means which were at their disposal to oppose it. They would make it plain to China what would be the consequences, having regard to the unprotected condition of her extensive frontiers, of persisting in a policy directed against her neighbour. Russia, his Excellency remarked to me, was prepared to take a strong line with China. As to the holders of the railway concession, he had informed Mr. Straight that if they attempted to persevere with it, Russia would neither permit them to effect a junction with the Russian railway nor to cross it. At the same time, he had given the American financier to understand that if the groups which he represented would abandon the idea of constructing a line to the sea-coast which would compete with the Chinese Eastern Railway, and would be prepared to build lines from points in the interior which would act as feeders to the Russian line, the Russian Government would be quite willing to negotiate with them.\n\nM. Isvolsky said to me that he thought that, in view of the language which he and other members of the Russian Government had held to Mr. Straight, that gentleman would advise his principals definitely to abandon the Chinchow-Aigun scheme. I asked whether Mr. Straight had touched on the question of Russia parting with her rights in the Chinese Eastern Railway to China within the next few years, the money for the transaction being found by American financiers. M. Isvolsky told me that Mr. Straight had hinted at some such transaction, and that he, M. Isvolsky, had said that when the Amur Railway was constructed \"they would see\" whether they could entertain the idea. The Japanese Ambassador, however, has expressed to me his very positive conviction that Russia has not the faintest intention of relinquishing her hold on the Chinese Eastern Railway.\n\nI have, &c.\n\nHUGH O'BEIRNE.\n\n[2813 d-1]", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-372 - Public Offices - 1910.txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 429077, "series_id": 27, "series_slug": "histsyn-co129-engine", "series_title": "CO129 Colonial Office Hong Kong Records 理藩院香港檔案", "series_use_hku_proxy": false, "document_key": "CO129-372 - Public Offices - 1910", "page_number": 418, "title": "CO129-372 - Public Offices - 1910", "content_text": "[This Document is the Property of His Britannic Majesty's Government\n\n15\n\n[B]\n\n# CHINA RAILWAYS.\n\n## CONFIDENTIAL.\n\nCO23223\n\nRECTJuly 6.] Rs.28 10. 10. ## SECTION 1.\n\n[24331]\n\nNo. 1.\n\nSir,\n\nChina Association to Foreign Office.-(Received July 6.)\n\n159, Cannon Street, London, July 5, 1910,\n\nTHE question of railway extension in Manchuria has for some time been engaging the attention of the committee of the China Association.\n\nThe growth of the export trade in this region, even with the present imperfect means of transport, has been so rapid of recent years that it is now of first-class importance to many British firms, and even to various manufacturing industries in this country.\n\nWhen it was learned that the Chinese Government had entered into a new contract to build a line of railway from Chiuchow to Aigun, via Tsitsihar, the news was welcomed by the association as likely to still further promote a growing trade, and to largely benefit British interests alike in imports and exports. It was also felt that the development of that territory would be of great importance to China, as her prosperity depends to a great extent upon the development of her exports.\n\nThe committee of the China Association has no definite information as to the precise nature of the contract for this railway, though it is generally understood that it was to be financed by an American syndicate, that China proposes to build the line herself, and that the construction was to be entrusted to a British firm of contractors, who will purchase a considerable proportion of the materials in this country.\n\nBut, apart from the particular interests involved, what the China Association desire is that the obstacles which have supervened, and which have apparently blocked the project for the time being, should be removed, and that China should be left free to develop her railways in her own way.\n\nThe objections to this particular railway have come from Russia and Japan, both of whom claim separate but similar rights to intervention or participation, but the extent and nature of such claims, so far as the association is aware, are still vague and undefined.\n\nThe association has also noted a statement in the \"Times\" and other newspapers to the effect that His Majesty's Minister at Peking \"had called the attention of the Chinese Government to the necessity of consulting the Russian and Japanese Governments before concluding arrangements for the construction of the Chinchow-Aigun Railway.\"\n\nThe committee assume, of course, that His Majesty's Government had good and sufficient reason for tendering this advice to China, if, in fact, it was so tendered, but the result unfortunately has been to make an impression among a large number of members of the association that legitimate British interests are being sacrificed to the susceptibilities of these two Powers, and that the settled policy of \"the open door\" has not been maintained.\n\nThe committee fully admit that Russia and Japan may reasonably claim to have some right to be consulted as to railway development in Manchuria, but, on the other hand, it is contended that neither of them can, by merely putting forward vague claims, bar the path of progress indefinitely.\n\nThe committee therefore respectfully urge that the time has come for His Majesty's Government to obtain from the Russian and Japanese Governments definite information as to what is the nature of their objection to the construction of this railway, or what rights of participation they claim. The objection cannot be based on strategic grounds, because, by article 7 of the Treaty of Portsmouth, both Powers bound themselves to exploit their respective railways in Manchuria for commercial and industrial purposes, and not for strategic purposes.\n\nIf Russia alleges the Scott-Mouravieff Convention of 1898, it will not be overlooked that that convention was an agreement between England and Russia, by which China is in no way bound; that we are not seeking for a railway concession within what was then the Russian sphere, but merely claiming that China should be allowed to develop\n\n[2813 -1]\n\nPage 17\n\n[End of Page]\n\n[This Document is the Property of His Britannic Majesty's Government\n\n16\n\n[B]", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-372 - Public Offices - 1910.txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 429081, "series_id": 27, "series_slug": "histsyn-co129-engine", "series_title": "CO129 Colonial Office Hong Kong Records 理藩院香港檔案", "series_use_hku_proxy": false, "document_key": "CO129-372 - Public Offices - 1910", "page_number": 422, "title": "CO129-372 - Public Offices - 1910", "content_text": "[This Document is the Property of His Britannic Majesty's Government.]\n\nCHINA RAILWAYS.\n\nCONFIDENTIAL.\n\n[25480]\n\nNo. 1.\n\nO 23223 Rif July 11, 1910 REG 28 74 10\n\nSECTION 3,\n\nQuestion asked in the House of Commons, July 11, 1910.\n\nMr. Arbuthnot, - To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he has any information as to a modification by the Chinese Government of the Chinchow-Aigun Railway scheme in Manchuria, by which it is only proposed to construct the railway to Taonanfu; and, if so, whether His Majesty's Government are prepared to support the scheme as modified.\n\nAnswered by Mr. McKinnon Wood (for Sir Edward Grey).\n\nWe have no information of such modification having been proposed.\n\n[28137-3]\n\n419", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-372 - Public Offices - 1910.txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 429085, "series_id": 27, "series_slug": "histsyn-co129-engine", "series_title": "CO129 Colonial Office Hong Kong Records 理藩院香港檔案", "series_use_hku_proxy": false, "document_key": "CO129-372 - Public Offices - 1910", "page_number": 426, "title": "CO129-372 - Public Offices - 1910", "content_text": "[This Document is the Property of His Britannic Majesty's Government.]\n\n423\n\n2\n\nnegotiations between the British, French, and German banks and the representative of the American group, with the co-operation and approval of the Imperial Chinese Government, resulted in a supplemental agreement providing for American participation on a basis which satisfied all parties.\n\n3. At this point the lamented death of his Excellency the Grand Secretary Chang deprived the Imperial Chinese Government of his services, and his Excellency Hsu, President of the Yu-chuan Pu, was, by Imperial edict, appointed to take over the matter of the loan and bring it to a satisfactory conclusion. The banks, although not officially informed of this appointment, were given to understand by his Excellency Hsu that the conclusion of the loan agreement would be proceeded with so soon as he had fully examined the papers left by the late Grand Secretary Chang. From that time up to the present the British, French, and German banks and the representative of the American group have received no communication on the subject from his Excellency Hsu, and no meeting has been called by him.\n\n4. In the meanwhile, certain announcements in the official Gazette caused the impression that the Imperial Chinese Government had overlooked the engagements entered into in the negotiations above named, and notes were on two occasions addressed to the Imperial Chinese Government by the Governments of the countries concerned, requesting explanations. Although several months have elapsed no reply has been received to these notes, and the anxiety of the British, French, and German banks and the American group to secure the due fulfilment of their rights under the above-named agreements now moves them to ask their respective Governments to call upon the Imperial Chinese Government to arrange for an early completion of the loan and supplemental agreements.\n\nPeking, June 24, 1910.\n\n[B]\n\nCHINA RAILWAYS.\n\nCONFIDENTIAL.\n\n[24331]\n\nNo. 1.\n\nForeign Office to China Association.\n\n23223\n\nRECR 228 10 [July 16.]\n\nSECTION 1.\n\nSir,\n\nSIR E. GREY has given his careful consideration to the views contained in your letter of the 5th instant respecting the question of railway extension in Manchuria, more especially in regard to the Chinchow-Aigun Railway project. In reply I am to inform you that, in suggesting that His Majesty's Government should use their good offices with the Japanese as well as with the Russian Government, with a view to removing the obstacles to the construction of this line, you appear to be under a misapprehension as to the facts of the case.\n\nJapan has expressed her readiness not to oppose the scheme, provided that she is admitted to participation in it as some compensation for the injury the new line might inflict on her railway in Southern Manchuria. In the case of Russia, the position is briefly as follows: There is nothing in the 1899 agreement which affects the right of China to construct what railways she pleases for herself, but there is an understanding on behalf of this country not to seek for British subjects or others any railway concession north of the Great Wall. It has been argued that the proposed line in question is not a railway concession in the exact sense of this agreement, but His Majesty's Government are bound to pay some regard to the spirit of the agreement, which has never been formally abrogated, and in view of it is impossible for them not to take into consideration the objections of Russia on economic, strategical, and political grounds to a railway which would actually cross her existing line to Vladivostock, and which would terminate at her frontier.\n\nSir E. Grey has from the first maintained that the matter is primarily one for arrangement by China with Russia and Japan, and he does not consider that any useful purpose would be served by the active intervention of this country at this juncture. I may, however, remind you that the attitude of His Majesty's Government has been repeatedly defined in the House of Commons in the course of the last six months.\n\nAs regards the statement in the \"Times\" quoted in your letter respecting the impression created that British interests in China are being sacrificed to the susceptibilities of Russia and Japan, I am to observe that when His Majesty's Minister at Peking was instructed in February last to warn China of the danger of ignoring the interests of her two neighbouring States, and of arriving at a final arrangement without consulting them, this advice was tendered solely in the best interests of China herself, and in order to prevent her from plunging into embarrassing complications.\n\nApart from this, the China Association may rest assured that the influence of His Majesty's Government will continue, as heretofore, to be exercised in favour of furthering the development of railway enterprise in Manchuria, and of supporting the claims of British industry whenever possible.\n\nI am,\n\n&c.\n\nF. A. CAMPBELL.\n\n[2813 q-1]", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-372 - Public Offices - 1910.txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 429126, "series_id": 27, "series_slug": "histsyn-co129-engine", "series_title": "CO129 Colonial Office Hong Kong Records 理藩院香港檔案", "series_use_hku_proxy": false, "document_key": "CO129-372 - Public Offices - 1910", "page_number": 467, "title": "CO129-372 - Public Offices - 1910", "content_text": "[This Document is the Property of His Britannic Majesty's Government.]\n\n[B]\n\n)\n\nAFFAIRS OF CHINA.\n\nCONFIDENTIAL.\n\n[27406]\n\nCO\n\n24838\n\n[July 29.]\n\nSECTION 1.\n\n12-12 AUG 12\n\nNo. 1.\n\n464\n\n(No. 323.) Sir,\n\nSir A. Nicolson to Sir Edward Grey.--(Received July 29.)\n\nSt. Petersburgh, July 24, 1910.\n\nI HAVE the honour to report that the \"Novoe Vremya\" of to-day's date publishes a leading article on the Chinese reply to the Russo-Japanese agreement. The \"Novoe Vremya\" says that the new agreement is so clearly expressed that it would be impossible to misconstrue it. Its sole aim is the maintenance of the status quo, as defined by existing treaties, and it gives no advantage to Russia or Japan prejudicial to China. The only novelty which it introduces is the agreement by Russia and Japan to co-operate in certain cases in which up till now they have acted independently, as, for instance, when Russia negotiated with China in connection with the ceded territory along the Eastern Chinese Railway, and when Japan exchanged notes with Washington on the subject of the Chinchow-Aigun Railway without keeping Russia informed. In both instances complications resulted for Russia and Japan without in any way benefiting China; in fact, they were only welcomed by unfriendly third parties. The dangerous possibilities of such a situation have resulted in the signing of the Russo-Japanese convention, an instrument which has naturally aroused the hostility of those who have been indulging in dark prognostications and calculating upon differences between Russia and Japan.\n\nThe article then proceeds to a consideration of the note from the Chinese Government in answer to the convention. The text of this note was published here yesterday. The \"Novoe Vremya\" considers that the answer of the Chinese Government, \"after a careful consideration of the contents of the text of the convention,\" has disappointed the hopes of those who had incited China to protest against the agreement. The Chinese Government might merely have acknowledged the receipt of the text of the convention. This would not have been evident disapproval, but it would have been construed as a silent reproach. But the Chinese Government did not wish there to be any misunderstanding about their attitude, and so have given a frank and definite answer. They have treated the matter in a wise and sober spirit, and will have no cause to regret that they did not accept the advice which had been offered them. Correctly appraising the value of the Russo-Japanese agreement, the Chinese Government have abandoned the policy of opposition, and have thereby joined in the circle of those who desire the peaceful development of Manchuria, as important for China as Russia.\n\nThe article concludes with the hope that China will not swerve from the line she has adopted, and points to the excellent results of an open and direct policy, which is not only the most dignified but the most expedient for a great State.\n\nI have, &c.\n\n[2827 ƒƒ—1]\n\nA. NICOLSON.", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-372 - Public Offices - 1910.txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 429145, "series_id": 27, "series_slug": "histsyn-co129-engine", "series_title": "CO129 Colonial Office Hong Kong Records 理藩院香港檔案", "series_use_hku_proxy": false, "document_key": "CO129-372 - Public Offices - 1910", "page_number": 486, "title": "CO129-372 - Public Offices - 1910", "content_text": "[This Document is the Property of His Britannic Majesty's Government.]\n\nCHINA RAILWAYS.\n\nCONFIDENTIAL.\n\n[24694]\n\n24833\n\nRece\n\n[July 9.]\n\nSECTION 1.\n\n12 AUG 10\n\nNo. 1.\n\nMr. O'Beirne to Sir Edward Grey.-(Received July 9.)\n\n(No. 297. Confidential.) Sir,\n\nTHE American chargé d'affaires, Mr. Post Wheeler, told me yesterday in St. Petersburgh, July 2, 1910. confidence that he had had a conversation with the Minister of Foreign Affairs on the subject of the Chinchow-Aigun Railway scheme, in the course of which M. Isvolsky had displayed so much irritation that he (Mr. Wheeler) had had to deal with him very cautiously. M. Isvolsky recapitulated to the American chargé d'affaires the conversation which he had had, as reported in my despatch No. 289, with Mr. Straight, the representative of the American group, and I gather that he spoke to Mr. Wheeler much in the same sense as to Mr. Straight, intimating that the objections of the Russian Government to the proposed railway were final, and that, if the holders of the concession attempted to carry it through, Russia would use the various means which were at her disposal to prevent its execution.\n\nMr. Wheeler remarked to me that the economic objections advanced by M. Isvolsky to the proposed railway were to his mind nothing but a blind, and that the Minister's dislike of the scheme was in reality purely political. As regards the economic aspect of the question, it was true that the Tsitsihar-Chiuchow branch of the line would divert some traffic from the Chinese eastern line, but it would make up for that by opening up a new country, creating an increased population, and thus bringing about a great development of traffic which would of course benefit the Russian line. Mr. Wheeler went on to say that though he had not been instructed by the United States Government to make this statement as to their views, he knew pretty well what those views were, and the United States did not admit that Russia's objections could stand in the way of the execution of the concession. He believed that ground might be broken on the new railway any one of these days. Japan had intimated that she would participate on certain terms, and if Russia did not choose to come in, it was, as Mr. Wheeler picturesquely put it, \"her funeral.\" America would as soon think of not building a railway from New York to St. Paul because it might if prolonged bisect a line in Canada. The railway would certainly be built as far as Tsitsihar, and the construction of the northern portion would come in time.\n\nI suggested to Mr. Wheeler that Russia would be prepared, as M. Isvolsky had plainly told Mr. Straight, to throw various obstacles in the way of the accomplishment of the project. Mr. Wheeler did not seem much impressed by M. Isvolsky's threats on this score. He appeared to think that the threat of bringing pressure to bear on China could not be quite seriously meant. He said, I think, that this would be going rather far; and he also seemed hardly to regard it as possible that Russia would refuse in the long run to consent to a junction of the new line with the Russian system. He professed to think that M. Isvolsky was at heart resigned to the Chinchow-Tsitsihar portion being built and was raising objections to the entire scheme merely in order to secure that the northern portion of the line should be abandoned. The American Embassy seem to have been confirmed in their idea that the objections of the Russian Government are in reality not insurmountable by the language used to Mr. Straight by the Minister of War, who, as Mr. Wheeler tells me, intimated that he saw no objections to the proposed line from a strategic point of view. M. Isvolsky, however, remarked to me that General Sukbomlinoff was a man who was not used to talking to people on business matters, and gave me to understand that whatever the general might have said should not be taken very seriously and did not represent the views of the Russian Government.\n\nI have, &c.\n\nHUGH O'BEIRNE.\n\n[2813 i-1]\n\n482", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-372 - Public Offices - 1910.txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 429178, "series_id": 27, "series_slug": "histsyn-co129-engine", "series_title": "CO129 Colonial Office Hong Kong Records 理藩院香港檔案", "series_use_hku_proxy": false, "document_key": "CO129-372 - Public Offices - 1910", "page_number": 519, "title": "CO129-372 - Public Offices - 1910", "content_text": "This Document is the Property of His Britannic Majesty's Government.\n\n515\n\n[B]\n\nCHINA RAILWAYS,\n\nCONFIDENTIAL.\n\n[24133]\n\nNo. 1.\n\n25499\n\nREC? Red 919 AUG 10\n\n[June 29.]\n\nSECTION 1.\n\nSir Edward Grey to Sir C. MacDonald.\n\n(No. 108.) Sir,\n\nForeign Office, June 29, 1910.\n\nTHE Japanese Ambassador told me to-day that M. Isvolsky had spoken to the Japanese Ambassador at St. Petersburgh, and informed him that he had seen Mr. Straight, the agent of the United States Syndicate, with regard to the Chinchow-Aigun Railway. M. Isvolsky had told Mr. Straight that the Russian Government would oppose this railway by every means in their power short of the actual use of force. M. Isvolsky had also told the Japanese Ambassador, though it was not certain that he had said this to Mr. Straight, that the Russian Government would not object to a line from inland places to the Chinese Eastern Railway, but objected to a line going to the sea.\n\nI said that I had not before heard this. On the contrary, the last I had heard was that, although the Russian Government would oppose a railway to Aigun, they might find it difficult to oppose a line limited to Chinchow-Tsitsihar. It seemed to me that they would not be on tenable ground if they opposed every line connected with the sea. But in view of the agreement of 1899 between Russia and ourselves, I should stand aside as far as active support to the Chinchow-Aigun Railway was concerned.\n\nI am, &c.\n\n[2792 ƒ-1]\n\nE. GREY.", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-372 - Public Offices - 1910.txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 429228, "series_id": 27, "series_slug": "histsyn-co129-engine", "series_title": "CO129 Colonial Office Hong Kong Records 理藩院香港檔案", "series_use_hku_proxy": false, "document_key": "CO129-372 - Public Offices - 1910", "page_number": 569, "title": "CO129-372 - Public Offices - 1910", "content_text": "565\n\nThis Document is the Property of His Britannic Majesty's Government.\n\nCHINA RAILWAYS.\n\nCONFIDENTIAL.\n\n[23695]\n\nNo. 1.\n\n23322\n\nREG 26 AUG 10\n\n[July 1.]\n\nSECTION 2.\n\n(No. 194.)\n\nMr. O'Beirne to Sir Edward Grey.--(Received July 1.)\n\nSt. Petersburgh, July 1, 1910.\n\n(Telegraphic.) P.\n\nSCHEME for a railway from Chinchow to Aigun. My despatch No. 289 of the 28th June, which left here yesterday by bag. In a confidential conversation which I have had with the American chargé d'affaires the latter gave me to understand that his Government do not admit that Russia's opposition can prevent the execution of the scheme, or, at any rate, the construction of that part of the line lying between Chinchow and Tsitsihar. The chargé d'affaires believes that in a very short time the work of construction may be actually begun. He has been informed by M. Isvolsky that the Russian Government objects most strongly to the scheme. M. Isvolsky, moreover, intimated that Russia would bring pressure to bear at Peking to prevent its being carried out, and would raise difficulties of other kinds.\n\n[2813a-2]\n\nF", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-372 - Public Offices - 1910.txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 429229, "series_id": 27, "series_slug": "histsyn-co129-engine", "series_title": "CO129 Colonial Office Hong Kong Records 理藩院香港檔案", "series_use_hku_proxy": false, "document_key": "CO129-372 - Public Offices - 1910", "page_number": 570, "title": "CO129-372 - Public Offices - 1910", "content_text": "[This Document is the Property of His Britannic Majesty's Government.]\n\n[B]\n\nCHINA RAILWAYS,\n\n28322\n\nRECO [July 30th 1906°26 AUG 10\n\nCONFIDENTIAL.\n\nSECTION 1.\n\n[27461]\n\nYour Excellency,\n\nNo. 1.\n\nSir Edward Grey to Mr. Whitelaw Reid.\n\nForeign Office, July 30, 1910.\n\nI HAVE been considering the enquiry, made by you on the 22nd instant of Sir F. Campbell, whether His Majesty's Government would support British capitalists, as the United States Government would support American capitalists, if the project for the construction of the Chinchow-Aigun Railway line were confined to the building of a line from Chinchow to Taonan-fu only.\n\nI understand, however, that such a line would avowedly be constructed with a view to its extension later on. This being the case, it appears to me that the Russian and Japanese Governments are likely to consider themselves entitled to be consulted in regard to the project in the same way as they claimed to be consulted over the Chinchow-Aigun scheme.\n\nAs your Excellency is aware, I have been ready to welcome co-operation between British and American financiers in railway matters in China and the Far East generally, but I feel that, in the matter of a line such as that from Chinchow to Taonanfu, knowing that its prolongation is intended, it would be impossible for His Majesty's Government, after all that has passed in the matter of the Chinchow-Aigun project, to afford support to British financiers, unless regard were also taken of Russian and Japanese interests in the regions to which the prolongation would extend.\n\nAs regards the former, we have to consider how far the spirit of our engagement with the Russian Government of 1899, by which we are bound not to support concessions for railways in China north of the Great Wall, may preclude His Majesty's Government from taking an active part in promoting this enterprise, if it is opposed by the Russian Government.\n\n[2813 gg-1]\n\nI have, &c.\n\nE. GREY.\n\nPage 570\n\nPage 571", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-372 - Public Offices - 1910.txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 429258, "series_id": 27, "series_slug": "histsyn-co129-engine", "series_title": "CO129 Colonial Office Hong Kong Records 理藩院香港檔案", "series_use_hku_proxy": false, "document_key": "CO129-372 - Public Offices - 1910", "page_number": 599, "title": "CO129-372 - Public Offices - 1910", "content_text": "This Document is the Property of His Britannic Majesty Government,\n\n27093\n\n595\n\n[B]\n\nCHINA RAILWAYS.\n\nCONFIDENTIAL.\n\n[27461]\n\nNo. 1.\n\nRECD Roof 1 SEP 10;\n\nJuly 22.\n\nSECTION 1.\n\nMinute by Sir F. Campbell respecting the Chinchow-Aigun Railway.\n\nTHE American Ambassador said his Government were being pressed to ascertain whether His Majesty's Government would support British capitalists, as the United States Government would support American capitalists if the project were confined to the building of a line from Chinchow to Taonan-fu only. He admitted that such a line would only be constructed with a view to its extension later on.\n\nI pointed out that the question was where it would be extended to, and that I thought it would hardly be a friendly proceeding towards the Japanese to support Messrs. Pauling in the matter without knowing this, and consulting them as to whether such a scheme would be injurious to the South Manchurian line.\n\nWe might ask the Japanese whether they see any objection to a line being constructed to Taonan-fu only with a view to its extension later on if opportunity offered.\n\nA sketch-map of the country is attached to Paper 32672, on which Sir E. Grey observed that the Japanese should not object to this line, or they would put themselves in the wrong. But I do not think it would be a fair proceeding on our part to give support to the line to Taonan-fu, and tell the Americans that we will do so, without saying anything to the Japanese, when we know that it is not intended that the line should stop at Taonan-fu.\n\nPerhaps the first thing to do would be to tell the American Ambassador that although we should certainly support a line to Taonan-fu, we cannot do so knowing that its prolongation is intended without consulting the Japanese, and ask for information as to where it is to be extended to.\n\nForeign Office, July 22, 1910.\n\n[2813 y-1]\n\nF. A. C.", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-372 - Public Offices - 1910.txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 429278, "series_id": 27, "series_slug": "histsyn-co129-engine", "series_title": "CO129 Colonial Office Hong Kong Records 理藩院香港檔案", "series_use_hku_proxy": false, "document_key": "CO129-373 - Public Offices - 1910", "page_number": 15, "title": "CO129-373 - Public Offices - 1910", "content_text": "[This Document is the Property of His Britannic Majesty's Government.]\n\n[B]\n\n# AFFAIRS OF CHINA.\n\n**CONFIDENTIAL.**\n\n[28786]\n\nNo. 1.\n\n14\n\n[August 8.]\n\nCO 2.913\n\nSECTION 6. REC 8 SEP IC\n\nREC\n\nSir,\n\nChina Association to Foreign Office.-(Received August 8.)\n\n159, Cannon Street, London, August 5, 1910.\n\nI HAVE the honour to acknowledge receipt of your letter of the 16th ultimo, and to express to you the thanks of the Committee of the China Association for your courteous communication of the Secretary of State's views, in reply to my letter of the 5th idem, on the subject of railway extension in Manchuria.\n\nIn that letter I referred to the impression which appears to be gaining ground, that British interests in China are being sacrificed to the susceptibilities of Russia and Japan. You are evidently under the belief that this expression of opinion emanated from the \"Times,\" whereas it is a reflex of the whole tenour of our correspondence from all parts of China and Japan, where British residents are becoming anxious and somewhat despondent at the outlook for our commercial interests throughout the Far East.\n\nOur trade is directly threatened by the new Japanese tariff, the effect of which, if carried out, will be to destroy a large portion of our trade as completely as the Japanese tariff of 1896 put a stop to the large trade with India in Bombay yarns, which flourished up to that time. We are informed that the character and extent of the orders and enquiries for new machinery coming forward from Japan indicate that Japanese commercial circles have little doubt about the effect of the new tariff on the trade of Lancashire and Yorkshire.\n\nIn a separate letter I have drawn your attention to the danger which threatens valuable British trade with Corea.\n\nMy committee would also point out that China is one of the very few remaining free markets now left to British trade, and they view with apprehension the prospect of the important northern markets of that country coming under the influence of Powers whose commercial policy appears to be dictated by the development of their own industries, and to putting obstacles in the way of ours.\n\nMy committee look upon the reasonable extension of railways in Manchuria as of great importance to the future of our trade there. We maintain that the development of that country commercially is not incompatible with the reasonable claims of either Russia or Japan.\n\nMaking every allowance for their legitimate interests, if the practical result of their policy is to block railway development throughout Manchuria, we are of opinion that, in the interests of British trade, His Majesty's Government should not acquiesce in that policy, but should exercise their influence against it.\n\nSo far, the practical effect of the Russian and Japanese attitude has been effectually to block further railway development, and my committee would therefore again respectfully urge that His Majesty's Government should endeavour to get the Governments of Russia and Japan to state definitely the nature of their objections to the proposed construction of the Chinchow line, and to define the nature and extent of their claims to participation in that enterprise. My committee are hopeful that, if the original plans are held to militate against the legitimate interests of Russia, some modification may be arranged, and that the development of the country will not be wholly arrested.\n\nYour letter under reply does not deal with this point, the importance of which seems to this committee to be enhanced by the understanding now come to between the Russian and Japanese Governments.\n\nFurthermore, as a matter closely affecting British interests, and for the guidance of British subjects, we would respectfully suggest that His Majesty's Government should endeavour to obtain the consent of Russia and Japan to communicate the text of the several agreements made by them with China, to which the present Russo-Japanese Treaty refers. In view of the existing and potential interests of Great Britain in Manchuria, the request for full and frank communication on this subject would appear to be justified by the Anglo-Japanese Treaty of Alliance.\n\n[2862 k-6]", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-373 - Public Offices - 1910.txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 429281, "series_id": 27, "series_slug": "histsyn-co129-engine", "series_title": "CO129 Colonial Office Hong Kong Records 理藩院香港檔案", "series_use_hku_proxy": false, "document_key": "CO129-373 - Public Offices - 1910", "page_number": 18, "title": "CO129-373 - Public Offices - 1910", "content_text": "17\n\n2\n\nThere are signs of a guilty conscience both on the part of the American Government and of the American press. A few days after the communication of the convention, the American Minister, who, two days previously, had not been able to come up to Peking from Pei Tai Ho about the identic notes on the subject of the Hukuang Railway Loan, suddenly appeared at the Wai-wu Pu, under instructions from his Government, to communicate a message to the effect that the United States Government had carefully examined the convention, and saw nothing in it inimical to China. I understand that this explanation caused more amusement than satisfaction at the Wai-wu Pu.\n\nThe extracts from the American press which have been telegraphed out here appear to be all in the same strain, striving to minimise the effect of the new convention, and to show that there is nothing in its terms prejudicial to the rights of China in Manchuria, or the principle of the open door, while some state that they have ample proof that Mr. Knox's proposal for the neutralisation of the Manchurian railways did not lead to the convention.\n\nI have the honour to enclose a résumé prepared by Mr. Ramsay, third secretary in His Majesty's Legation, of the comments published in the Chinese press, native and foreign, on the subject of the new convention.\n\nSir,\n\nI have, &c.\n\nW. G. MAX MÜLLER.\n\nEnclosure 1 in No. 1.\n\nWai-wu Pu to Mr. Max Müller.\n\nJuly 21, 1910. I HAVE the honour to inform you that the Board have carefully perused the new Russo-Japanese Convention, concluded on the 4th July, 1910, copies of which were recently handed in personally to the Board by the Japanese Minister and the Russian chargé d'affaires.\n\nI fully realise that since the convention expressly states that each of the High Contracting Parties engages to respect the treaties, conventions, and arrangements concluded between China and Japan, China and Russia, and between Japan and Russia, it therefore accords with and confirms the Treaty of Peace between Russia and Japan of 1905, and the treaty concluded also in 1905 between China and Japan relating to matters in Manchuria. By the Portsmouth Treaty, the sovereignty of China in Manchuria was recognised, as well as the doctrine of equal opportunity for all nations, and, further, the two Powers agreed to assist China in any measures which she might take for the development of the commerce and industry of Manchuria. Again, in the China-Japan Treaty of 1905, it was decided to open Manchuria.\n\nThe Imperial Government will therefore, in the future, act in accordance with the principles declared in the Russo-Japanese Treaty of Peace, and execute the provisions of the treaty and agreement with Japan, maintaining with increased efforts such matters as measures arising from the exercise of China's rights of sovereignty, the principle of equal opportunity, and the development of the commercial and industrial prosperity of the three Manchurian provinces, with a view to the promotion of the best interests of all parties.\n\nNotes in this sense have been addressed to the Japanese Minister and the Russian chargé d'affaires, and I have the honour therefore to communicate this note to your Excellency for the information of His Majesty's Government.\n\nI avail, &c.\n\nPRINCE CH'ING.\n\nEnclosure 2 in No. 1.\n\nRésumé by Mr. Ramsay of Comments published in the Chinese Press respecting the Russo-Japanese Convention.\n\nTHE editorial opinions of the leading papers in Europe, America, and Japan have been freely reproduced, and conspicuous among them is the assertion of the \"Tägliche Rundschau,\" that the agreement originated with British diplomatists, in order to create a quadruple alliance against Germany and America in the East. But while most of the foreign press in China seize the opportunity to air their views on Far Eastern politics in general, and the agreement in particular, it is a curious fact that native papers in Peking, and in many other parts, have maintained an attitude of reticence, which can only be attributed to prudent measures of precaution taken by the Government to prevent the dissemination of inflammatory material among the ignorant masses.\n\nAs far as the native press indulges in comment, it is to lament the loss of China's sovereign rights in Manchuria. A leading article in the \"Peiching Jih Pao,\" of the 17th July, points out that it was to the interest of Japan and Russia to prevent America securing political interests in Manchuria. Japan was the prime mover, and, having by her close relationship in race and language a thorough grasp of conditions in China, was bent on increasing her power at China's expense. This could only be done by alliance with a European Power. The article finally states that Eastern Asia is Japanese and not Chinese. In a later number, the same paper alleges that secret clauses exist embracing all the provinces of China north of the Yellow River.\n\nThe \"Chung Wai Jih Pao,\" of the 8th July, and the \"Chung Kuo Pao,\" of the 16th July, state that the agreement is the answer to the Knox proposal, and is aimed at the Chinchow-Aigun Railway project. The latter traces the Manchurian difficulty back to the Sino-Japanese war, when Russia was allowed to get a footing in Manchuria, and states that the exclusion of third parties is an infringement of China's sovereign rights, the recovery of which in Manchuria is now beyond hope.\n\nIf absence of comment characterises the attitude of many of the native Peking papers and the provinces, the \"Peking Daily News\" and the Shanghai weekly, \"National Review,\" both Chinese owned, and printed in English, are troubled with no such scruples. These publications may be said to reflect the ambitions of \"Young China,\" and they have not hesitated to give full vent on this occasion to the vapourings of Chauvinistic patriotism, enlarging on the violation of China's sovereign rights, and the many sins of the various Powers in their past dealings with China. The \"Peking Daily News,\" whose foreign policy favours America, and is anti-British, regards the convention as a counter-move to the Knox proposal, which, it affirms, would have checked the monopolising tendency of Russo-Japanese ambition, and enforced the policy of the \"open door,\" and equal opportunity. China is exhorted to demand an explanation from the contracting parties, and take action to secure better respect for her sovereign rights in Manchuria. In the opinion of the \"Peking Daily News,\" the early results of the agreement will affect China as regards extra-territorial claims in Manchuria and the Sungari and Amur River navigation questions. In this respect, the assurances of the two Powers are not to be trusted. After quoting treaties in which Japan and Russia recognise China's sovereign rights in Manchuria, it contrasts the action of those Powers in not consulting China before concluding the agreement, with their attitude a few months ago, when China, in the exercise of her rights, granted a concession for the construction of the Chinchow-Aigun Railway, only to be informed by the same two Powers that she was not at liberty to make this contract without previously consulting them.\n\nThe \"National Review,\" a well-edited weekly periodical, had a cartoon representing a Cossack and a Japanese soldier carving in two the Manchurian piece of a toy map of China, regardless of the latter's meek claim of ownership, and published two violently patriotic articles, entitled, \"The Great Betrayal\" and \"Robbery under Arms.\" The first article points out how Great Britain, the United States, France, and Germany have all, in one way or another, pledged themselves to the defence of the integrity of China, but with the conclusion of the present agreement, the utter worthlessness of these guarantees is demonstrated. Faith in the United States was shaken by the signature of the Treaty of Portsmouth, when the solemn pledge of Corean independence was virtually disregarded; faith in Great Britain has been undermined by the hopeless incapacity which she has shown to act for herself since the entanglement with Japan. The history of the Japanese absorption of Corea is being repeated, and foreigners will soon be deprived of exterritorial status in Manchuria. The article terminates by declaring that it finally bars, bolts, and bars the door in Manchuria, not only to the nations of the West, but to China.\n\nThe article entitled, \"Robbery under Arms,\" is similar in tone, and proceeds to show by various instances how neither Russia nor Japan have refrained from violating China's integrity. The \"National Review\" surmises that the important part of the agreement deals with Mongolia, and though it is being kept secret for the present, it ...", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-373 - Public Offices - 1910.txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 429285, "series_id": 27, "series_slug": "histsyn-co129-engine", "series_title": "CO129 Colonial Office Hong Kong Records 理藩院香港檔案", "series_use_hku_proxy": false, "document_key": "CO129-373 - Public Offices - 1910", "page_number": 22, "title": "CO129-373 - Public Offices - 1910", "content_text": "2\n\neastern section of the projected trunk line from Ili and Kansu, through Central China, to the Yellow Sea.\n\nThe cost of construction is roughly estimated as follows:-\n\nKaifeng to Hsüchow,* 175 miles, 6,700,000 taels; Hsüchow to Tsingkiangpoo, 120 miles, 5,500,000 taels; Tsingkiangpoo to Haichow, 70 miles, 3,000,000 taels; extension to the beach of Haichow and harbour improvements, 2,800,000 taels; making a total of 18,000,000 taels (£2,362,500).\n\nThe writer says that, as the Board are averse to raising a foreign loan, and the surplus profits of existing lines are already appropriated, they have recommended that the work of construction be spread over a period of years. He considers that, as the route of the projected railway lies outside the German sphere of interest in Shantung, the latter will not be in a position to advance any serious objections to its construction, although it will undoubtedly have the effect of diverting the traffic from Honan, Shansi, Kansu, and beyond from Tsingtau to Haichow, \"thus dispelling the German dream of a greater Tsingtau.\"\n\nThe new port will also, the writer thinks, enter into competition with Shanghai as a distributing centre for foreign goods and an outlet for the export trade of the Yang-tsze. He considers the project \"a masterful piece of railway strategy, effectually blocking the German programme in Shantung, nullifying British claims to railway construction in Honan and Kiangsu, and opening a seaport which will be entirely under Chinese control.” He thinks \"the deep significance of the move has been lost sight of in the general attention devoted to the Chinchow-Aigun affair.\"\n\nAs regards the question of a foreign loan for this railway, Mr. Mayers informs me that the Board of Communications are giving the matter their serious attention. He has himself discussed details with the Board, who appear, he says, well disposed towards his proposals. He fears, however, that they may give the loan to the Americans as compensation for the loss of the Manchurian loan. Colour is given to this supposition by a paragraph which appeared in a Japanese paper published at Dalny on the 24th April last, stating that a Sino-American syndicate had agreed to advance 18,000,000 taels for the construction of the Kaifeng-Haichow line.\n\nWith respect to the suitability of Haichow as a port, Mr. Wilton reports that the town itself lies on a shallow inlet, and that steamers cannot approach within 10 miles of the shore. At Chingkow, however, a few miles north of Haichow, the anchorage is better. There appears to be a large junk traffic at Haichow, the native customs returns for 1908 giving an entry of 2,433 vessels and a clearance of 2,001 during the year.\n\nI have, &c.\n\nW. G. MAX MÜLLER.\n\n[This Document is the Property of His Britannic Majesty's Government.]\n\nCHINA RAILWAYS.\n\nCONFIDENTIAL.\n\n[27601]\n\nNo. 1.\n\nForeign Office to Messrs. Pauling and Co.\n\nCO 27913\n\n[August 16.]\n\nRECE SECTION 18 SEP 10\n\nSir,\n\nI AM directed by Secretary Sir E. Grey to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 29th ultimo, in which you enquire whether His Majesty's Government will lend their support to the construction of a railway from Chenchow to Taonanfu; this construction to supersede—for at any rate some years—the original proposal for the construction of a line from Chenchow to Aigun.\n\nIn reply, I am to observe that it is evident that a line between the places you mention would avowedly be constructed with a view to its extension northwards later on, and it appears to Sir E. Grey in the circumstances that the Russian and Japanese Governments are likely to consider themselves entitled to be consulted in regard to the project in the same way as they claimed to be consulted over the Chenchow-Aigun scheme. He does not therefore consider it possible, in view of all that has passed in the matter of the Chenchow-Aigun project, to afford support in the present case unless regard were also taken of Russian and Japanese interests in the regions to which the prolongation would extend.\n\nI am further to point out that, as regards the former, His Majesty's Government have to consider how far this point of the engagement with the Russian Government of 1899, by which they are bound not to support concessions for railways in China north of the Great Wall, may preclude them from taking an active part in promoting this enterprise if it is opposed by the Russian Government.\n\n[2875 q-1]\n\nI am, &c.\n\nW. LANGLEY.\n\nThis was the line which was offered to the British and Chinese Corporation in December 1909 in exchange for the Shanghai-Hangchow-Ningpo Concession.\n\n21", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-373 - Public Offices - 1910.txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 429320, "series_id": 27, "series_slug": "histsyn-co129-engine", "series_title": "CO129 Colonial Office Hong Kong Records 理藩院香港檔案", "series_use_hku_proxy": false, "document_key": "CO129-373 - Public Offices - 1910", "page_number": 57, "title": "CO129-373 - Public Offices - 1910", "content_text": "12\n\nAs regards the present letter of the consular body, the draft of it has been many times revised and rejected by myself and my German and American colleagues, and it is only on the understanding that each of us would give our own views in forwarding it to our respective ministers that we consented to the letter going forward in its present form.\n\nI have, &c.\n\nPELHAM L. WARREN.\n\n[This Document is the Property of His Britannic Majesty's Government.]\n\nCO\n\n56\n\nAFFAIRS OF CHINA.\n\nCONFIDENTIAL.\n\n[28702]\n\nNo. 1.\n\n20647\n\n[August 8.]\n\nArai SEP 10] SECTION 5.\n\nEnclosure 6 in No. 1.\n\nMinute by Mr. Max Müller.\n\nI AM of opinion that any alteration of the constitution of the mixed court as at present existing is inadvisable.\n\nIt appears to me that the more important question of the two raised by the senior foreign interest.' I agree with the consul is the interpretation to be given to a Dean's interpretation of rule 3 of the Mixed Court Rules of 1869, and consider that the mere fact of a Chinese subject accused of a criminal offence being in the employ of a foreigner does not entitle the foreigner to claim that his interests are involved, nor does it give his consul the right to demand that his assessor should take the case instead of the assessor of the day. The same principle that foreign employment does not necessarily mean a foreign interest is disclosed in rule 2 of the provisional rules for defining the respective jurisdiction of the mixed courts which were agreed to by the consular body and the taotai on the 10th June, 1902, and approved by the diplomatic body on the 28th June, 1902.\n\nIn a criminal case in which there is no doubt that a foreign interest is really involved, e.g., where the complainant is himself a foreigner, the assessor of the consulate concerned should be allowed to take his seat on the bench to watch the case, or it might even be advisable that a special day should be fixed for the hearing, and that in any case it is inadvisable to the said assessor should sit with the magistrate.\n\ndisplace the assessor of the day.\n\nI gather that some of the consuls desire that in any criminal case in which one of their nationals is indirectly interested, even when both parties are Chinese, the assessor of the consulate concerned is entitled to displace the assessor of the day and take the case. I need hardly point out that this would impede the heavy work of the court, and lead to endless confusion and interference with business.\n\nW. G. MAX MÜLLER,\n\nPeking, April 1, 1910.\n\n0\n\n(No. 333.) Sir,\n\nSir A. Nicolson to Sir Edward Grey.--(Received August 8.)\n\nSt. Petersburgh, August 5, 1910. I HAVE the honour to inform you that the following communiqué appeared in the \"Official Messenger\" of yesterday :-\n\n\"On the 17th (30th) July of this year an agreement with regard to the regulations for the navigation of the River Sungari was concluded at Peking between the Russian chargé d'affaires and the Wai-wu Pu. This agreement has now been approved by the Imperial Government, and the chargé d'affaires has been authorised to draw up a new Act, after which the regulations will come into force, replacing the temporary regulations which expired on the 18th (31st) July, 1910. The new regulations, in drafting which the technical delegates of the Ministry of Finance and of the Chinese Eastern Railway Company have taken part, fully take into consideration the rights and interests of Russian trade, and at the same time safeguard the lawful rights of China. The fundamental principle of the shipping regulations now to be enforced by mutual consent is the preservation for Russian trade of those privileges on the whole Manchurian frontier which were guaranteed by former treaties, privileges which were not sufficiently recognised in the temporary regulations issued last year by the Chinese authorities. The shipping regulations will be binding for three years.\"\n\nIn commenting on the above, the \"Bourse Gazette\" gives what purports to be the substance of the new agreement. It says that the Chinese Government recognise that Chinese vessels as well as Russian vessels shall henceforth be liable to shipping dues; that the Chinese Government falls in with the Russian view that only those goods coming from within 50 versts of the Chinese frontier and destined for places within 50 versts of the Russian frontier shall be exempt from duty. Lastly, that a reduction of nearly 30 per cent. has been effected in the duty on grain imported into Harbin, and that a similar reduction of duty is to be granted on beans and bean husks. The \"Novoe Vremya,\" in a long article, laments that the Russian Government have not seen fit to publish the text of the agreement. It is inclined to believe that the agreement is more favourable to China than to Russia, but it acknowledges that it is some satisfaction that the Chinese Government has abandoned the standpoint that all Russo-Chinese treaties were abrogated by the treaty of Portsmouth. The article concludes by dwelling on the exceptional position in which Russia stands towards China, both geographically and historically. It mentions the attempts which have been made, both in the question of the Harbin settlements and in that of the Chinchow-Aigun Railway, to sow dissension between the two Powers, and says that if the Chinese Government, in spite of all possible incitements, has now come to a sensible point of view, Russia will welcome her decision whole-heartedly.\n\nI have, &c.\n\nA. NICOLSON.\n\n[2862 h-b]", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-373 - Public Offices - 1910.txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 429410, "series_id": 27, "series_slug": "histsyn-co129-engine", "series_title": "CO129 Colonial Office Hong Kong Records 理藩院香港檔案", "series_use_hku_proxy": false, "document_key": "CO129-373 - Public Offices - 1910", "page_number": 147, "title": "CO129-373 - Public Offices - 1910", "content_text": "This Document is the Property of His Britannic Majesty's Government.\n\nAFFAIRS OF CHINA.\n\nCONFIDENTIAL.\n\n[32268]\n\nNo. 1.\n\n146\n\n30791 [September 5.]\n\n(REG: -AC10\n\nSECTION 1.\n\nMr. Max Müller to Sir Edward Grey.--(Received September 5.)\n\nPeking, July 19, 1910.\n\n(No. 234.) Sir,\n\nI HAVE the honour to transmit herewith the copy of a despatch which I have received from His Majesty's consul at Harbin, enclosing a report which he has drawn up on the Russian railway settlement and the municipal administration of the town.\n\nIn his covering despatch Mr. Sly states that the Russian authorities apparently recognise the futility of negotiating independently with the Chinese to the exclusion of other Powers, and now seem to be in favour of first making an arrangement with the foreign Governments, and, in the body of the report, he says that he gathered from his Russian colleague that the Russian legation here already regarded the agreement of last May as inoperative or lapsed. From a conversation which I have had with the Russian chargé d'affaires, I have reason to believe that these statements are correct. M. Schekine hinted that his Government had come to the conclusion that the May agreement was not workable in practice, and that the treaty Powers would have to be consulted before a definite arrangement was come to with the Chinese Government. He thought that advantage would be taken of M. Korostovetz's and General Horwath's simultaneous presence in St. Petersburgh to discuss the question. He added that he had no instructions as yet to reopen any negotiations. Meanwhile, therefore, the regulations of December 1907 remain in force.\n\nAnother development which is not without interest is the change which is apparently coming over the attitude of the United States, who, after stoutly opposing the Russian contention from the beginning, have now informed the Russian Government that they are ready to acquiesce in the payment of the municipal taxes by American citizens. What the reason for this change of front may be I am unable to say. It may be not unconnected with the fact that there are at present no American citizens in Harbin upon whom the taxes would fall. Mr. Sly conjectures that it may be in relation to Mr. Straight's visit to St. Petersburgh in the interests of the Chinchow-Aigun Railway scheme, and this opinion is shared by many people in Peking. My Russian colleague, however, says that he can hardly believe that the American Government could have hoped to influence the Russian Government by such a transparent, and, in the absence of American citizens, worthless bribe. Anyhow, if such was their intention they failed to attain their object.\n\nMr. Sly's report, which has been compiled with great care and pains, forms a valuable addition to our knowledge of the conditions prevailing at Harbin, and shows clearly that the present administration is faulty in many respects. This is especially the case in regard to the taxation of factories and commercial undertakings and the control exercised by the municipal administration over commercial dealings. Neither the police, who are under the control of the railway, nor the municipal administration, appear as yet to have given proofs of a high standard of efficiency, but improvements are being effected in the face of adverse conditions, and it is perhaps early to form a judgment.\n\nThe principal interest lies in that portion of the report in which Mr. Sly deals, on p. 27 and succeeding pages, with the position of the various nationalities represented at Harbin. At the present moment Chinese and Japanese residents pay taxes, and American citizens appear likely shortly to follow suit. British, French, and German subjects, with the sole exception of one German firm, do not pay them. I agree in principle with Mr. Sly that those who share in the benefits of municipal improvements should bear their part in taxation, and representative British firms in Harbin do not appear to dispute the equity of this proposition. But it is equally indisputable that it will be necessary to safeguard British subjects against unfair taxation and unjust and vexatious treatment, and Mr. Sly suggests, inter alia, that, should it be decided that an agreement with Russia in regard to municipal taxation is desirable, the Russian Government on their part should give a guarantee that British\n\n[2893 e-]", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-373 - Public Offices - 1910.txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 429459, "series_id": 27, "series_slug": "histsyn-co129-engine", "series_title": "CO129 Colonial Office Hong Kong Records 理藩院香港檔案", "series_use_hku_proxy": false, "document_key": "CO129-373 - Public Offices - 1910", "page_number": 196, "title": "CO129-373 - Public Offices - 1910", "content_text": "[This Document is the Property of His Britannic Majesty's Government.]\n\n[B]\n\nAFFAIRS OF CHINA.\n\nCONFIDENTIAL.\n\n[32420]\n\nNo. 1.\n\n31428\n\nPrat\n\n[September 6.]\n\nSECTION/\n\n195\n\nt\n\nMr. Bryce to Sir Edward Grey.-(Received September 6.)\n\n(No. 183. Very Confidential.) Sir,\n\nAS you are aware, from conversations which you have had from time to time with the United States Ambassador in London as well as from reports addressed to you by His Majesty's Ambassador in Tokyo and also by this embassy, that the State Department would appear not to have succeeded in fully appreciating the views which have guided the policy of His Majesty's Government with regard to the construction of railways in Manchuria, and American official feeling has been to some extent irritated by the attitude of Great Britain towards the Chinchow-Aigun project.\n\nIt would appear from information which has reached me from a trustworthy source that this irritation has been somewhat accentuated by the recent Russo-Japanese convention. I learn that Mr. Huntington Wilson, Assistant Secretary of State, and at present Acting Secretary during the summer absence of Mr. Knox from Washington, has lately indulged in language of unbecoming strength with reference to the convention, and particularly with regard to what he regards as Great Britain's share in its conclusion. His views seem to be accurately represented by the language used to you by the United States Ambassador in London as conveyed to me in your despatch No. 59 of the 10th February, namely, that \"the policy of the open door\" was a dead-letter, and this was a violation of the Treaty of Portsmouth.\" In terms apparently resembling those used to me in April by Mr. Schiff (see my despatch No. 79), though considerably stronger, Mr. Wilson asked my informant how His Majesty's Government could adopt an attitude hostile to their own commerce, merely in order to meet the wishes of Russia.\n\nMr. Wilson is sometimes rather unmeasured in his utterances, but his voice, although that of a subordinate who enjoys little weight among his countrymen, and, I should imagine, none at all with the President, probably carries a certain weight in the State Department (owing to the not very keen interest taken by Mr. Knox in the affairs of his office), and he frequently gives out to the press statements lacking in judgment. More importance perhaps attaches to very similar expressions used by Mr. Miller, the head of the Far Eastern Department. According to my informant, this gentleman showed himself equally hostile to the convention, though at the same time manifesting a juster appreciation of the attitude of Great Britain in the matter.\n\nFinally, Mr. Wilson announced his intention of making the Chinchow-Aigun project a test case under cover of which to attack the arrangements embodied in the convention.\n\nThough I have found no reason to think that the President shares the sentiments expressed by Mr. Wilson and Mr. Miller, and though the press has not said much about the Russo-Japanese agreement since their first expressions of annoyance at the rapprochement between Russia and Japan, which they regard as prejudicial to United States interests, still there can be little doubt that in many quarters in this country and among the public a more or less definite feeling of dissatisfaction prevails with the policy of His Majesty's Government in the Far East. In this connection I might draw your attention to my despatch No. 124 of the 21st May as showing the misunderstandings prevalent with regard to that policy. The catch-word of \"the open door\" has attained a kind of sanctity in public opinion, and the Portsmouth Treaty is regarded with pride as representing the successful intervention of America in la haute politique. Indeed, considering the value of full sympathy and cordial understanding between Great Britain and the United States which has been fully maintained as respects\n\n[2893 f-1]\n\n1\n\nPage 1\n\n...\n\nPage 2\n\n...\n\nPage 3", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-373 - Public Offices - 1910.txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 429463, "series_id": 27, "series_slug": "histsyn-co129-engine", "series_title": "CO129 Colonial Office Hong Kong Records 理藩院香港檔案", "series_use_hku_proxy": false, "document_key": "CO129-373 - Public Offices - 1910", "page_number": 200, "title": "CO129-373 - Public Offices - 1910", "content_text": "[This Document is the Property of His Britannic Majesty's Government.]\n\n[B]\n\n# AFFAIRS OF CHINA.\n\n## CONFIDENTIAL.\n\n3.0. 31428 Ra\n\n[September 22.]\n\n### SECTION 1.\n\n10\n\nNo. 1.\n\n199\n\n[32420]\n\nSir Edward Grey to Mr. Bryce.\n\nForeign Office, September 22, 1910.\n\n(No. 258. Confidential.) Sir,\n\nI HAVE received your Excellency's despatch No. 183, Very Confidential, of the 24th ultimo, reporting that a certain amount of irritation is felt in official circles at Washington at the attitude taken up by His Majesty's Government towards the Chinchow-Aigun Railway, and suggesting that, in the interest of the maintenance of good relations between the two countries, it might be desirable to take any opportunity which presented itself of soothing American susceptibilities in Far Eastern matters, and of making it plain to the United States Government that, whatever the designs of Russia and Japan, His Majesty's Government have no share in any policy unfriendly to the commercial policy of the United States in that part of the world.\n\nYour Excellency is already well aware from communications which have passed with the American Embassy in London, as well as from the answers which I have on more than one occasion returned to members of Parliament on this subject, what is the attitude of His Majesty's Government towards the Chinchow-Aigun Railway.\n\nJapan has expressed her readiness not to oppose the scheme, provided that she is admitted to participation in it as some compensation for the injury the new line might inflict on her railway in South Manchuria. In the case of Russia the situation is somewhat different. There is nothing in the agreement of 1899 between the two countries which affects the right of China to construct what railways she pleases for herself, but there is an understanding on behalf of this country not to seek for British subjects or others any railway concession north of the Great Wall. It has been argued, I know, that the proposed line is not a railway concession in the exact sense of this agreement, and that circumstances have altered since its conclusion eleven years ago; but, nevertheless, His Majesty's Government have felt themselves bound to pay some regard to the spirit of the arrangement, which has never formally been abrogated, and it has therefore been impossible for them not to take into consideration the objections of Russia on economic, strategical, and political grounds to a railway which would actually cross her existing line to Vladivostok, and which would terminate at her frontier.\n\nI have, however, always maintained that the matter was primarily one for arrangement by China with Russia and Japan, and that no useful purpose would have been served by the active intervention of His Majesty's Government. Their attitude has, in fact, been that of an observer; and if China chooses to give the contract for the financing and building of this railway to an American group, His Majesty's Government would remain as heretofore a spectator.\n\nHis Majesty's Government are no less in favour than formerly of the \"open door\" policy in Manchuria, and it has been a matter of considerable regret to them that the ill-timed proposals made by the United States in the winter of 1909-10 for the internationalisation of railways in Manchuria—a proposal which, moreover, totally disregarded the legitimate interests of both Russia and Japan as expressly confirmed by the Treaty of Portsmouth, which received the full sanction, and was, indeed, largely due to the initiative, of the United States Government—should have indirectly had the result of rendering the task of keeping the door open in Manchuria increasingly difficult. Nor have the United States Government themselves given us the measure of support in that province which we seemed entitled to receive both on the ground of common interests and our combined action in the past. For instance, in the case of the Russian railway settlement at Harbin, where the two countries have always joined in resisting what they considered the undue pretensions of the Russian railway authorities to levy taxes on foreign residents as well as on Russian subjects, we now learn that the United States Government are ready to acquiesce in the payment of the municipal taxes by American citizens. What the reason for this change of front may be is not clear; but in any case it is an entire reversal of\n\n[2803 y-1]", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-373 - Public Offices - 1910.txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 429655, "series_id": 27, "series_slug": "histsyn-co129-engine", "series_title": "CO129 Colonial Office Hong Kong Records 理藩院香港檔案", "series_use_hku_proxy": false, "document_key": "CO129-373 - Public Offices - 1910", "page_number": 392, "title": "CO129-373 - Public Offices - 1910", "content_text": "2\n\nThe financial representatives are of opinion that the Yuchuanpu have exaggerated the danger of local trouble, with the view of obtaining easier terms, though, short of lending the money without any restrictions whatever, it would, they maintain, be difficult to frame terms less onerous than the Tien-tsin-Pukow terms. Observations, they say, have led them to the impression that the opposition of Chinese public opinion to foreign loans in general has of late considerably weakened.\n\nHow far the opinions of the bankers are justified it is difficult to judge. The action of the central Government, which formed the subject of our identic notes of protest of the 12th February and the 22nd April, has doubtless encouraged provincial opposition; and I am further informed that Tong Shao-yi, who is due in Peking to-morrow to take up his post as president of the Board of Communications, is at present strongly opposed to the employment of foreign capital for the construction of railways. It is probable that the central Government could, with some slight concessions on our part, put through the scheme, if they really wished to, without the risk of serious disturbances; but there would always be the danger of subsequent opposition in the provinces in the practical work of construction. It will probably require strong and united pressure on the part of the four Governments concerned to induce the Chinese Government to take such a step, and though the informal conversation of my French colleague has shown me that we are in complete accord, I am not so sure that we can reckon on the loyal and whole-hearted support of the American and German Legations. I have no reason to believe that the American Minister has changed his attitude since I wrote my despatch No. 226 of the 14th July, and it is even hinted that the American group may vent their spite for our refusal to support the Chinchow-Aigun Railway project by adopting a very lukewarm attitude in regard to the Tukuang Railway loan. The German Legation—probably in view of the approaching visit of the Crown Prince—refuse at present to join in any action that might in the slightest degree hurt the susceptibilities of the Chinese, and are following a policy of conciliation at all costs.\n\nThe German Minister is returning to Peking in a few days, and we shall then have a meeting to discuss what action we should take, subject to the approval of our Governments. My private opinion, in which M. de Margerie and the four financial representatives concur, is that we should not allow the binding effect of the initialled agreement to be called in question, but that, subject to that proviso, we might invite the Chinese Government to state to us the modifications which they have in view, in order that we, with the approval of our respective Governments, may decide to what extent these may be entertained, and may then recommend them for adoption to the financial groups. The representatives of the groups would thereby be protected from being forced into a discussion of inacceptable terms, and might then proceed to negotiate with the Yuchuanpu upon an approved basis of compromise.\n\nI have, &c.\n\nW. G. Max Müller.\n\nEnclosure 1 in No. 1.\n\nNotes of an Interview with Yuchuanpu, October 3, 1910, at 4 P.M. Present: Shen Yun-pei, Acting President; Shông Kung-pao, Vice-President; and Messrs. Hillier, Menocal, Homberg and Cordes, Representatives of the four Groups.\n\nHis Excellency Shen explained that the board had received strong protests from the provincial gentry, principally of Hupei and Hunan, against the conclusion of the loan agreement negotiated with Grand Secretary Chang, on the ground that it affected sovereign rights and was based on Tien-tsin-Pukow terms. Their reason for the latter objection was that Tien-tsin-Pukow terms were the outcome of negotiations based upon a preliminary agreement which had been previously concluded, while, in the present instance, the line (or one of them) which formed the subject of negotiation had been redeemed from the previous concessionnaires and therefore the field was open for negotiations upon an entirely new basis which they expected would be better than Tien-tsin-Pukow terms. We pointed out that the present agreement was an adaptation of Tien-tsin-Pukow terms from beginning to end, by the special request of the late Grand Secretary Chang, who had insisted throughout upon strict adherence to them.\n\n3\n\nThe presidents replied that in this the Grand Secretary Chang had acted wrongly and against the wishes of the people. The present object was to so modify the terms of the agreement as to satisfy the objections of the gentry.\n\nWe pointed out that His Excellency Chang was Imperial Commissioner, appointed by special edict with full powers to negotiate the loan. Tien-tsin-Pukow terms had been proposed by him, not by the foreign banks. The terms were concluded after months of negotiation in a final agreement, the text of which was initialled by the contracting parties as binding and only awaiting the formality of ratification.\n\nThe presidents objected that the text could not be considered final since it admittedly had to await ratification both by the Board of Finance and by the Throne, as was shown by a note added to the Chinese text at the time of initialling. They also objected that His Excellency Chang had not signed the text himself, but had deputed signature to the two deputy negotiators.\n\nWe pointed out that these deputies signed at the request and in the presence of His Excellency Chang himself, a procedure frequently followed where the Imperial Commissioner is of high rank. The instance was cited of the 1905 Anglo-German loan for £1,000,000, the final agreement for which was signed not by the negotiator, the president of the Board of Finance, but by his deputy in his presence. The delay in ratification of the loan agreement initialled on the 6th June, 1909, had been due solely to the formulating of an American claim for participation for which, at the request of the Wai-wu-Pu, provision had to be made, and later to the death of His Excellency Chang himself.\n\nThe presidents interposed by stating that the delay in ratification was due also to another cause, namely, that His Excellency Chang, influenced by representations from the provinces, had abandoned his intention to apply for ratification of the agreement negotiated.\n\nWe said that, with our knowledge of the circumstances and of the attitude of the late Grand Secretary Chang, we could not accept that statement. In the opinions of ourselves and of our Governments the initialled text of the 6th June, 1909, was final and binding, and the process of ratification was a mere formality. A case had never been known in our experiences, or in that of the presidents themselves, where an agreement so initialled by plenipotentiaries had been subjected to alteration. They (the presidents) were now asking us to change the whole basis of the agreement, which was Tien-tsin-Pukow terms, and to negotiate something fresh in order to satisfy the objections of the provincial gentry. We could not discuss such a proposal without applying to our respective legations for new instructions.\n\nThe presidents recognised the propriety of this course and expressed the hope that a compromise could be arrived at which would remove both the difficulties of the board and the objections of the gentry, and thus smooth the way for future and more lucrative business for the groups.\n\nWe said that, so soon as we had received instructions from our legations, we would ask for another interview. The presidents replied that they would always be at our disposal whenever required.\n\nPeking, October 3, 1910.\n\nC. Homberg,\n\nH. Cordes,\n\nE. G. Hillier,\n\n(For W. Straight),\n\nD. Menocal,\n\nRepresentatives of British, French, German,\n\nand American Groups.\n\nEnclosure 2 in No. 1.\n\nCopy of a Note added to the Chinese Text of the Hukuang Railways Loan Agreement at the time of the initialling by the Contracting Parties.\n\nAs regards the terms of this agreement and the supplementary letter, deputies have now been appointed to arrange the loan and to bring matters to a conclusion with the representatives of the banks. They have accordingly reported to the director-general and obtained his approval whereby they have been appointed to sign the agreement provisionally.\n\n391", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-373 - Public Offices - 1910.txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 429708, "series_id": 27, "series_slug": "histsyn-co129-engine", "series_title": "CO129 Colonial Office Hong Kong Records 理藩院香港檔案", "series_use_hku_proxy": false, "document_key": "CO129-373 - Public Offices - 1910", "page_number": 445, "title": "CO129-373 - Public Offices - 1910", "content_text": "[This Document is the Property of His Britannic Majesty's Government.]\n\n[B]\n\n36747\n\nAFFAIRS OF CHINA.\n\n[November 12.]\n\nRECP\n\nC\n\nCONFIDENTIAL.\n\nREGS 1 FC IC\n\nSECTION 2.\n\n[41245]\n\nSir,\n\nNo. 1.\n\nHong Kong and Shanghai Banking Corporation to Foreign Office.——— (Received November 12.)\n\n31, Lombard Street, London, November 11, 1910.\n\nI HAVE the honour to inform you that representatives of the British, French, German, and American groups met in London on the 10th instant and signed the inter-bank and inter-group agreements, draft copies of which have already been submitted to you.\n\nI enclose twelve copies of the inter-bank and inter-group agreements, as finally agreed to, together with twelve copies of the official minutes of the meetings held in London on the 8th, 9th, and 10th November, duly attested by the signatures of all the delegates who attended.\n\nBoth agreements follow the lines of the former Anglo-German-French inter-bank and inter-group agreements of the 6th July, 1909, but changes and modifications have been introduced in order to permit of the inclusion of the American group.\n\nClauses 6 and 5 of the inter-bank and inter-group agreements respectively have now been altered in such a way that, while the independence of the groups as regards the conduct of separate negotiations is retained, the mutual consent of the other parties to the agreement is now made a condition precedent to the right of any one party to sign the agreement alone. In effect, the decision as to whether joint signature is impracticable or not will in future be by common consent instead of being vested in any single one of the groups.\n\nIn clause 8 of the inter-bank agreement, in lieu of loan internationalisation, which the French Government refused to allow, the American group is granted the option of issuing its portion of any loan either in New York or Europe, but, in the latter case, only through the channel of the three other parties to the agreement. Should this option not be exercised, the American group, by the words \"in its and their markets,\" which have now been inserted, will then be limited to New York for the issue of the American portion of any loan.\n\nThe Chinchow-Aigun Railway loan of 40,000,000 dollars, and the projected American loan for currency reform in China of 50,000,000 dollars, although included in the general agreements, are subject to certain reservations, which will be found in the official minutes of the proceedings. I enclose two memoranda on the subject of these loans, prepared by Mr. W. D. Straight, the American delegate, by whom they were negotiated with the Chinese Government.\n\nThe Chinchow-Aigun loan has been concluded on terms which do not fall within the conditions of clause 10 of the inter-group agreement. It is clear that the American group can only offer what it has been able to obtain, and it does not seem unreasonable, therefore, that, if the offer they make of participation to the other three groups should not be accepted, all parties should then be free to act as they think fit with regard to this particular business.\n\nA difficulty having arisen as to the admission of the other three groups as principals in the American loan of 50,000,000 dollars, the American group, with the promised assistance of the United States Government, engages to use their best endeavours to obtain joint signature of the agreement. If these endeavours fail, and if for this or any other reason the British, German, and French groups refuse to accept participation, the American group may then issue the loan in Europe through their own channels. In that event, any one of the other parties shall have the right to withdraw from the Quadruple Agreement of the 10th November, 1910, and then the\n\n[2982 m- -21\n\n* Printed elsewhere.\n\n444", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-373 - Public Offices - 1910.txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 429736, "series_id": 27, "series_slug": "histsyn-co129-engine", "series_title": "CO129 Colonial Office Hong Kong Records 理藩院香港檔案", "series_use_hku_proxy": false, "document_key": "CO129-373 - Public Offices - 1910", "page_number": 473, "title": "CO129-373 - Public Offices - 1910", "content_text": "Ya.. \n\n2 \n\nand Franco-Russian alliances. Suggestions were made as to the advisability of allowing America to acquire such vested interests in the three Manchurian provinces as would make it essential for her to keep them in the Chinese dominions at any cost. It seems hardly necessary to comment on the idea that the United States and Germany are going to pull the chestnuts out of the fire for China without ample compensation, but in China's present mood she is inclined to form exaggerated estimates.\n\nThe climax of exaggeration and folly was reached in the recent reception of the business men from the Western States, who were accorded almost Royal honours not only by Chinese commercial classes, but by the Chinese Government, and whose doings and sayings have been recorded with a minuteness of detail and with such appreciative comments as can hardly be rivalled during the approaching visit of the German Crown Prince.\n\nThe ostensible object of the tour was the promotion of trade relations between the two countries, and as in the case of the Japanese business men, who made a similar tour last June, it may be welcomed as another step in familiarising China with the outside world. It seems, however, a pity that these shrewd men of business should be compelled to devote so much of their time to being dined and wined. If they were left more leisure to utilise the opportunities furnished by their tour they would carry home with them a valuable budget of commercial intelligence, instead of an exaggerated impression of Chinese hospitality and good-will towards foreigners in general and Americans in particular. As it is, they gain superficial and false ideas of China's progress in the path of civilisation and reform, and, worse still, they also instil these ideas into the minds of the Chinese themselves, who certainly are already not wanting in self-sufficiency and conceit. I fully agree with Mr. Fox that to pour indiscriminate panegyrics on all the efforts of the Chinese to fall into line with modern civilisation, as, for instance, to say publicly that the Shanghai-Hangchow-Ningpo Railway is as efficient as any line on the American continent, must, with a nation like the Chinese, be productive of far more harm than good.\n\nI further agree with Mr. Fox in his remark that this visit is not likely to produce any tangible result in the direction of increased trade between China and the United States, and the speaker who described it as \"the beginning of novel business relations between the two countries and a great factor in their political relations\" was guilty of postprandial exuberance of speech.\n\nIf I have written at such length on the subject of these American visits to China and of the warmth of the reception accorded to the visitors, it is because I feel that this strong pro-American sentiment in China is a factor in Far Eastern politics with which it is necessary to reckon. There has been a great deal of inspired newspaper talk and exaggerated after-dinner speaking, but there is a real feeling at the bottom of it all, and the demonstrations of good-will and friendship in the case of the American business men are not due to Government direction, but to individual good feeling. The mere gratitude of the Chinese nation for past favours received is a broken reed to lean on, and even this year there has been talk in Canton of a boycott of American goods on account of the ill-treatment of some Chinese in California. There is something more than gratitude for returned indemnities and other alleged benefits to account for the undeniable sincerity of these pro-American demonstrations, and that is, as Mr. Fox says, the recognition of the possibilities afforded by the disinterested friendship of one of the great nations of the world. There is at the present moment in China a widespread feeling that all the Powers, excepting the United States and perhaps also Germany, are directly or indirectly bonded together against her, and that the United States are China's only friend and bulwark against foreign aggression. I do not go so far as to say that responsible Chinese statesmen look to America for active support, but they probably feel, rightly or wrongly, that in a few years the opening of the Panamá Canal will place in the hands of the United States the hegemony of the Pacific Ocean, and that, therefore, friendship with the United States should form the basis of China's foreign policy.\n\nIn estimating the strength and probable duration of such friendship, at all events from the side of China, we must not leave out of our calculations the strong pro-American influence of the already large and steadily increasing number of Chinese who have received their education in America. So great a patriot as Cecil Rhodes in founding the Rhodes scholarships at Oxford for students from the colonies, the United States of America, and Germany, gave concrete expression to his opinion that \"educational relationships form the strongest tie\" and a sure basis for a good understanding between nations.\n\n3\n\nThe dominating feature of the American attitude in the Far East is the instinctive friendliness felt for and shown to China, not always, as we saw last winter, in a manner most judicious or most likely to conduce to the real interests of China herself. There can be no doubt that the support of American diplomacy tends to encourage China to adopt an attitude of stubborn opposition towards the advice and requests of other nations, and it is natural that diplomatists in Peking should regard with some suspicion what we, rightly or wrongly, consider as the too complaisant attitude of the American Legation towards the Chinese Government. I have before now commented on the lack of success, from the Chinese point of view, that attended the first incursion of the United States financiers supported by their Government into Far Eastern affairs. The results achieved hitherto, leaving out of consideration the loan for 10,000,000l. at present being negotiated, have been the indefinite postponement of the construction of the Hankow-Canton and Szechuan Railways and the agreement between Russia and Japan in Manchuria.\n\nIt is difficult at this distance to judge how far the fierce campaign in the American press directed from Peking by the \"New York Herald\" correspondent, Mr. Ohl, according to which Great Britain was represented as sacrificing America's friendship, China's interests and her own position in the Far East to her infatuation for her Japanese ally, in connection with the Chinchow-Aigun Railway scheme, either represented or affected public opinion in the United States. The financial group concerned, or rather their representative out here, Mr. Straight, made use of Mr. Ohl to continually attack our policy, and as Mr. Ohl was in close touch with the \"Peking Daily News\" and the Press Bureau at the Wai-wu Pu, hardly a day passed without violent diatribes being published in the Peking press in regard to our alleged unfriendly policy towards China and our disloyalty to the United States. Mr. Ohl summoned other yellow journalists to his aid, including a Mr. Millard, who published an article in the July number of the \"Forum\" on the subject of the Chinchow-Aigun Railway. The article in itself does not merit much attention, but it is noteworthy as containing the text of all the notes addressed by the various foreign legations in Peking to the Wai-wu Pu in regard to the railway scheme in question, these notes, I understand, having been communicated by some high official in the Wai-wu Pu, said to be his Excellency Liang Tun-yen, to Mr. Millard for publication. The style of Mr. Millard's reasoning can be gathered from the following sentence: \"I unhesitatingly declare my opinion that the issue raised in the matter of the Chinchow-Aigun Railway, broadly viewed, is one on which any self-respecting nation, if forced by antagonistic diplomacy into a position where it is squarely put, ought to go to war about.\"\n\nFortunately, there are other interests of greater importance than the construction of a railway of 800 miles in Manchuria, professedly a purely commercial venture, that determine the relations between Great Britain and the United States of America; and it certainly looks at present as if the furious press campaign got up in the interests of a financial group had missed fire.\n\nIt may be hoped that the visit of the delegates of the chambers of commerce may show them that there are other spheres in China besides Manchuria where American financiers can invest their capital with equal advantage to themselves, provided they are really desirous of assisting China in this manner, and do not merely aim at bringing forward political issues which place China in a difficult position vis-à-vis other Powers, where she cannot help herself, and where she cannot, in spite of the fulminations of the yellow press, look for material and effective help from her American friends.\n\nI have, &c.\n\nW. G. MAX MÜLLER.\n\nEnclosure 1 in No. 1.\n\nMemorandum by Mr. Fox on Delegation of Pacific Coast Business Men to China.\n\nTHE delegation of American business men now visiting China, whose departure from San Francisco was reported in Acting Consul-General Moore's despatch to the Foreign Office of the 23rd August last, arrived in Shanghai on the 16th September, and after visiting Soochow, Hangchow, Nanking, and Hankow reached Peking by rail on the 6th instant. From here they go to Tien-tsin; thence to Chefoo, Tsingtau, Amoy, Hong Kong, and Canton.\n\nThe party who style themselves", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-373 - Public Offices - 1910.txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 429739, "series_id": 27, "series_slug": "histsyn-co129-engine", "series_title": "CO129 Colonial Office Hong Kong Records 理藩院香港檔案", "series_use_hku_proxy": false, "document_key": "CO129-373 - Public Offices - 1910", "page_number": 476, "title": "CO129-373 - Public Offices - 1910", "content_text": "2\n\nand Franco-Russian alliances. Suggestions were made as to the advisability of allowing America to acquire such vested interests in the three Manchurian provinces as would make it essential for her to keep them in the Chinese dominions at any cost. It seems hardly necessary to comment on the idea that the United States and Germany are going to pull the chestnuts out of the fire for China without ample compensation, but in China's present mood she is inclined to form exaggerated estimates.\n\nThe climax of exaggeration and folly was reached in the recent reception of the business men from the Western States, who were accorded almost Royal honours not only by Chinese commercial classes, but by the Chinese Government, and whose doings and sayings have been recorded with a minuteness of detail and with such appreciative comments as can hardly be rivalled during the approaching visit of the German Crown Prince.\n\nThe ostensible object of the tour was the promotion of trade relations between the two countries, and as in the case of the Japanese business men, who made a similar tour last June, it may be welcomed as another step in familiarising China with the outside world. It seems, however, a pity that these shrewd men of business should be compelled to devote so much of their time to being dined and wined. If they were left more leisure to utilise the opportunities furnished by their tour they would carry home with them a valuable budget of commercial intelligence, instead of an exaggerated impression of Chinese hospitality and good-will towards foreigners in general and Americans in particular. As it is, they gain superficial and false ideas of China's progress in the path of civilisation and reform, and, worse still, they also instil these ideas into the minds of the Chinese themselves, who certainly are already not fully agree with Mr. Fox that to pour wanting in self-sufficiency and conceit. indiscriminate panegyrics on all the efforts of the Chinese to fall into line with modern civilisation, as, for instance, to say publicly that the Shanghai-Hangchow-Ningpo Railway is as efficient as any line on the American continent, must, with a nation like the Chinese, be productive of far more harm than good.\n\nI further agree with Mr. Fox in his remark that this visit is not likely to produce any tangible result in the direction of increased trade between China and the United States, and the speaker who described it as \"the beginning of novel business relations between the two countries and a great factor in their political relations\" was guilty of postprandial exuberance of speech.\n\nIf I have written at such length on the subject of these American visits to China and of the warmth of the reception accorded to the visitors, it is because I feel that this strong pro-American sentiment in China is a factor in Far Eastern politics with which it is necessary to reckon. There has been a great deal of inspired newspaper talk and exaggerated after-dinner speaking, but there is a real feeling at the bottom of it all, and the demonstrations of good-will and friendship in the case of the American business men are not due to Government direction, but to individual good feeling. The mere gratitude of the Chinese nation for past favours received is a broken reed to lean on, and even this year there has been talk in Canton of a boycott of American goods on account of the ill-treatment of some Chinese in California. There is something more than gratitude for returned indemnities and other alleged benefits to account for the undeniable sincerity of these pro-American demonstrations, and that is, as Mr. Fox says, the recognition of the possibilities afforded by the disinterested friendship of one of the great nations of the world.\n\nThere is at the present moment in China a widespread feeling that all the Powers, excepting the United States and perhaps also Germany, are directly or indirectly banded together against her, and that the United States are China's only friend and bulwark against foreign aggression. I do not go so far as to say that responsible Chinese statesmen look to America for active support, but they probably feel, rightly or wrongly, that in a few years the opening of the Panamá Canal will place in the hands of the United States the hegemony of the Pacific Ocean, and that, therefore, friendship with the United States should form the basis of China's foreign policy.\n\nIn estimating the strength and probable duration of such friendship, at all events from the side of China, we must not leave out of our calculations the strong pro-American influence of the already large and steadily increasing number of Chinese who have received their education in America. So great a patriot as Cecil Rhodes in founding the Rhodes scholarships at Oxford for students from the colonies, the United States of America, and Germany, gave concrete expression to his opinion that \"educational relationships form the strongest tie\" and a sure basis for a good understanding between nations.\n\n3\n\nThe dominating feature of the American attitude in the Far East is the instinctive friendliness felt for and shown to China, not always, as we saw last winter, in a manner most judicious or most likely to conduce to the real interests of China herself. There can be no doubt that the support of American diplomacy tends to encourage China to adopt an attitude of stubborn opposition towards the advice and requests of other nations, and it is natural that diplomatists in Peking should regard with some suspicion what we, rightly or wrongly, consider as the too complaisant attitude of the American Legation towards the Chinese Government. I have before now commented on the lack of success, from the Chinese point of view, that attended the first incursion of the United States financiers supported by their Government into Far Eastern affairs. The results achieved hitherto, leaving out of consideration the loan for 10,000,000l. at present being negotiated, have been the indefinite postponement of the construction of the Hankow-Canton and Szechuan Railways and the agreement between Russia and Japan in Manchuria.\n\nIt is difficult at this distance to judge how far the fierce campaign in the American press directed from Peking by the \"New York Herald\" correspondent, Mr. Ohl, according to which Great Britain was represented as sacrificing America's friendship, China's interests and her own position in the Far East to her infatuation for her Japanese ally, in connection with the Chinchow-Aigun Railway scheme, either represented or affected public opinion in the United States. The financial group concerned, or rather their representative out here, Mr. Straight, made use of Mr. Ohl in Peking to continually attack our policy, and as Mr. Ohl was in close touch with the \"Daily News\" and the Press Bureau at the Wai-wu Pu, hardly a day passed without violent diatribes being published in the Peking press in regard to our alleged unfriendly policy towards China and our disloyalty to the United States. Mr. Ohl summoned other yellow journalists to his aid, including a Mr. Millard, who published an article in the July number of the \"Forum\" on the subject of the Chinchow-Aigun Railway. The article in itself does not merit much attention, but it is noteworthy as containing the text of all the notes addressed by the various foreign legations in Peking to the Wai-wu Pu in regard to the railway scheme in question, these notes, I understand, having been communicated by some high official in the Wai-wu Pu, said to be his Excellency Liang Tun-yen, to Mr. Millard for publication. The style of Mr. Millard's reasoning can be gathered from the following sentence: \"Unhesitatingly declare my opinion that the issue raised in the matter of the Chinchow-Aigun Railway, broadly viewed, is one on which any self-respecting nation, if forced by antagonistic diplomacy into a position where it is squarely put, ought to go to war about.\"\n\nFortunately, there are other interests of greater importance than the construction of a railway of 800 miles in Manchuria, professedly a purely commercial venture, that determine the relations between Great Britain and the United States of America; and it certainly looks at present as if the furious press campaign got up in the interests of a financial group had missed fire.\n\nIt may be hoped that the visit of the delegates of the chambers of commerce may show them that there are other spheres in China besides Manchuria where American financiers can invest their capital with equal advantage to themselves, provided they are really desirous of assisting China in this manner, and do not merely aim at bringing forward political issues which place China in a difficult position vis-à-vis other Powers, where she cannot help herself, and where she cannot, in spite of the fulminations of the yellow press, look for material and effective help from her American friends.\n\nI have, &c.\n\nW. G. Max Müller.\n\nEnclosure 1 in No. 1.\n\nMemorandum by Mr. Fox on Delegation of Pacific Coast Business Men to China.\n\nThe delegation of American business men now visiting China, whose departure from San Francisco was reported in Acting Consul-General Moore's despatch to the Foreign Office of the 23rd August last, arrived in Shanghai on the 16th September, and after visiting Soochow, Hangchow, Nanking, and Hankow reached Peking by rail on the 6th instant. From here they go to Tien-tsin; thence to Chefoo, Tsingtau, Amoy, Hong Kong, and Canton.\n\nThe party who style themselves \"Honourable Commissioners of American\n\n[2982 -2]\n\nB 2\n\n475", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-373 - Public Offices - 1910.txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 429742, "series_id": 27, "series_slug": "histsyn-co129-engine", "series_title": "CO129 Colonial Office Hong Kong Records 理藩院香港檔案", "series_use_hku_proxy": false, "document_key": "CO129-373 - Public Offices - 1910", "page_number": 479, "title": "CO129-373 - Public Offices - 1910", "content_text": "478\n\n! \n\nand Franco-Russian alliances. Suggestions were made as to the advisability of allowing America to acquire such vested interests in the three Manchurian provinces as would make it essential for her to keep them in the Chinese dominions at any cost. It seems hardly necessary to comment on the idea that the United States and Germany are going to pull the chestnuts out of the fire for China without ample compensation, but in China's present mood she is inclined to form exaggerated estimates.\n\nThe climax of exaggeration and folly was reached in the recent reception of the business men from the Western States, who were accorded almost Royal honours not only by Chinese commercial classes, but by the Chinese Government, and whose doings and sayings have been recorded with a minuteness of detail and with such appreciative comments as can hardly be rivalled during the approaching visit of the German Crown Prince.\n\nThe ostensible object of the tour was the promotion of trade relations between the two countries, and as in the case of the Japanese business men, who made a similar tour last June, it may be welcomed as another step in familiarising China with the outside world. It seems, however, a pity that these shrewd men of business should be compelled to devote so much of their time to being dined and wined. If they were left more leisure to utilise the opportunities furnished by their tour they would carry home with them a valuable budget of commercial intelligence, instead of an exaggerated impression of Chinese hospitality and good-will towards foreigners in general and Americans in particular. As it is, they gain superficial and false ideas of China's progress in the path of civilisation and reform, and, worse still, they also instil these ideas into the minds of the Chinese themselves, who certainly are already not wanting in self-sufficiency and conceit. I fully agree with Mr. Fox that to pour indiscriminate panegyrics on all the efforts of the Chinese to fall into line with modern civilisation, as, for instance, to say publicly that the Shanghai-Hangchow-Ningpo Railway is as efficient as any line on the American continent, must, with a nation like the Chinese, be productive of far more harm than good.\n\nI further agree with Mr. Fox in his remark that this visit is not likely to produce any tangible result in the direction of increased trade between China and the United States, and the speaker who described it as \"the beginning of novel business relations between the two countries and a great factor in their political relations\" was guilty of postprandial exuberance of speech.\n\nIf I have written at such length on the subject of these American visits to China and of the warmth of the reception accorded to the visitors, it is because I feel that this strong pro-American sentiment in China is a factor in Far Eastern politics with which it is necessary to reckon. There has been a great deal of inspired newspaper talk and exaggerated after-dinner speaking, but there is a real feeling at the bottom of it all, and the demonstrations of good-will and friendship in the case of the American business men are not due to Government direction, but to individual good feeling. The mere gratitude of the Chinese nation for past favours received is a broken reed to lean on, and even this year there has been talk in Canton of a boycott of American goods on account of the ill-treatment of some Chinese in California. There is something more than gratitude for returned indemnities and other alleged benefits to account for the undeniable sincerity of these pro-American demonstrations, and that is, as Mr. Fox says, the recognition of the possibilities afforded by the disinterested friendship of one of the great nations of the world. There is at the present moment in China a widespread feeling that all the Powers, excepting the United States and perhaps also Germany, are directly or indirectly bonded together against her, and that the United States are China's only friend and bulwark against foreign aggression. I do not go so far as to say that responsible Chinese statesmen look to America for active support, but they probably feel, rightly or wrongly, that in a few years the opening of the Panamá Canal will place in the hands of the United States the hegemony of the Pacific Ocean, and that, therefore, friendship with the United States should form the basis of China's foreign policy.\n\nIn estimating the strength and probable duration of such friendship, at all events from the side of China, we must not leave out of our calculations the strong pro-American influence of the already large and steadily increasing number of Chinese who have received their education in America. So great a patriot as Cecil Rhodes in founding the Rhodes scholarships at Oxford for students from the colonies, the United States of America, and Germany, gave concrete expression to his opinion that \"educational relationships form the strongest tie\" and a sure basis for a good understanding between nations.\n\n3\n\nThe dominating feature of the American attitude in the Far East is the instinctive friendliness felt for and shown to China, not always, as we saw last winter, in a manner most judicious or most likely to conduce to the real interests of China herself. There can be no doubt that the support of American diplomacy tends to encourage China to adopt an attitude of stubborn opposition towards the advice and requests of other nations, and it is natural that diplomatists in Peking should regard with some suspicion what we, rightly or wrongly, consider as the too complaisant attitude of the American Legation towards the Chinese Government. I have before now commented on the lack of success, from the Chinese point of view, that attended the first incursion of the United States financiers supported by their Government into Far Eastern affairs. The results achieved hitherto, leaving out of consideration the loan for 10,000,000l. at present being negotiated, have been the indefinite postponement of the construction of the Hankow-Canton and Szechuan Railways and the agreement between Russia and Japan in Manchuria.\n\nIt is difficult at this distance to judge how far the fierce campaign in the American press directed from Peking by the \"New York Herald\" correspondent, Mr. Ohl, according to which Great Britain was represented as sacrificing America's friendship, China's interests and her own position in the Far East to her infatuation for her Japanese ally, in connection with the Chinchow-Aigun Railway scheme, either represented or affected public opinion in the United States. The financial group concerned, or rather their representative out here, Mr. Straight, made use of Mr. Ohl to continually attack our policy, and as Mr. Ohl was in close touch with the \"Peking Daily News\" and the Press Bureau at the Wai-wu Pu, hardly a day passed without violent diatribes being published in the Peking press in regard to our alleged unfriendly policy towards China and our disloyalty to the United States. Mr. Ohl summoned other yellow journalists to his aid, including a Mr. Millard, who published an article in the July number of the \"Forum\" on the subject of the Chinchow-Aigun Railway. The article in itself does not merit much attention, but it is noteworthy as containing the text of all the notes addressed by the various foreign legations in Peking to the Wai-wu Pu in regard to the railway scheme in question, these notes, I understand, having been communicated by some high official in the Wai-wo Pu, said to be his Excellency Liang Tun-yen, to Mr. Millard for publication. The style of Mr. Millard's reasoning can be gathered from the following sentence: \"I unhesitatingly declare my opinion that the issue raised in the matter of the Chinchow-Aigun Railway, broadly viewed, is one on which any self-respecting nation, if forced by antagonistic diplomacy into a position where it is squarely put, ought to go to war about.\"\n\nFortunately, there are other interests of greater importance than the construction of a railway of 800 miles in Manchuria, professedly a purely commercial venture, that determine the relations between Great Britain and the United States of America; and it certainly looks at present as if the furious press campaign got up in the interests of a financial group had missed fire.\n\nIt may be hoped that the visit of the delegates of the chambers of commerce may show them that there are other spheres in China besides Manchuria where American financiers can invest their capital with equal advantage to themselves, provided they are really desirous of assisting China in this manner, and do not merely aim at bringing forward political issues which place China in a difficult position vis-à-vis other Powers, where she cannot help herself, and where she cannot, in spite of the fulminations of the yellow press, look for material and effective help from her American friends.\n\nI have, &c.\n\nEnclosure 1 in No. 1.\n\nW. G. MAX MÜLLER.\n\nMemorandum by Mr. Fox on Delegation of Pacific Coast Business Men to China,\n\nTHE delegation of American business men now visiting China, whose departure from San Francisco was reported in Acting Consul-General Moore's despatch to the Foreign Office of the 23rd August last, arrived in Shanghai on the 16th September, and after visiting Soochow, Hangchow, Nanking, and Hankow reached Peking by rail on the 6th instant, From here they go to Tien-tsin; thence to Chefoo, Tsingtau, Amoy, Hong Kong, and Canton.\n\nThe party who style themselves\n\n[2982 --2]\n\n\"Honourable Commissioners of American\n\nB 2", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-373 - Public Offices - 1910.txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 429754, "series_id": 27, "series_slug": "histsyn-co129-engine", "series_title": "CO129 Colonial Office Hong Kong Records 理藩院香港檔案", "series_use_hku_proxy": false, "document_key": "CO129-373 - Public Offices - 1910", "page_number": 491, "title": "CO129-373 - Public Offices - 1910", "content_text": "2\n\nand Franco-Russian alliances. Suggestions were made as to the advisability of allowing America to acquire such vested interests in the three Manchurian provinces as would make it essential for her to keep them in the Chinese dominions at any cost. It seems hardly necessary to comment on the idea that the United States and Germany are going to pull the chestnuts out of the fire for China without ample compensation, but in China's present mood she is inclined to form exaggerated estimates.\n\nThe climax of exaggeration and folly was reached in the recent reception of the business men from the Western States, who were accorded almost Royal honours not only by Chinese commercial classes, but by the Chinese Government, and whose doings and sayings have been recorded with a minuteness of detail and with such appreciative comments as can hardly be rivalled during the approaching visit of the German Crown Prince.\n\nThe ostensible object of the tour was the promotion of trade relations between the two countries, and as in the case of the Japanese business men, who made a similar tour last June, it may be welcomed as another step in familiarising China with the outside world. It seems, however, a pity that these shrewd men of business should be compelled to devote so much of their time to being dined and wined. If they were left more leisure to utilise the opportunities furnished by their tour they would carry home with them a valuable budget of commercial intelligence, instead of an exaggerated impression of Chinese hospitality and good-will towards foreigners in general and Americans in particular. As it is, they gain superficial and false ideas of China's progress in the path of civilisation and reform, and, worse still, they also instil these ideas into the minds of the Chinese themselves, who certainly are already not wanting in self-sufficiency and conceit. I fully agree with Mr. Fox that to pour indiscriminate panegyrics on all the efforts of the Chinese to fall into line with modern civilisation, as, for instance, to say publicly that the Shanghai-Hangchow-Ningpo Railway is as efficient as any line on the American continent, must, with a nation like the Chinese, be productive of far more harm than good.\n\nI further agree with Mr. Fox in his remark that this visit is not likely to produce any tangible result in the direction of increased trade between China and the United States, and the speaker who described it as \"the beginning of novel business relations between the two countries and a great factor in their political relations\" was guilty of postprandial exuberance of speech.\n\nIf I have written at such length on the subject of these American visits to China and of the warmth of the reception accorded to the visitors, it is because I feel that this strong pro-American sentiment in China is a factor in Far Eastern politics with which it is necessary to reckon. There has been a great deal of inspired newspaper talk and exaggerated after-dinner speaking, but there is a real feeling at the bottom of it all, and the demonstrations of good-will and friendship in the case of the American business men are not due to Government direction, but to individual good feeling. The mere gratitude of the Chinese nation for past favours received is a broken reed to lean on, and even this year there has been talk in Canton of a boycott of American goods on account of the ill-treatment of some Chinese in California. There is something more than gratitude for returned indemnities and other alleged benefits to account for the undeniable sincerity of these pro-American demonstrations, and that is, as Mr. Fox says, the recognition of the possibilities afforded by the disinterested friendship of one of the great nations of the world. There is at the present moment in China a widespread feeling that all the Powers, excepting the United States and perhaps also Germany, are directly or indirectly bonded together against her, and that the United States are China's only friend and bulwark against foreign aggression. I do not go so far as to say that responsible Chinese statesmen look to America for active support, but they probably feel, rightly or wrongly, that in a few years the opening of the Panamá Canal will place in the hands of the United States the hegemony of the Pacific Ocean, and that, therefore, friendship with the United States should form the basis of China's foreign policy.\n\nIn estimating the strength and probable duration of such friendship, at all events from the side of China, we must not leave out of our calculations the strong pro-American influence of the already large and steadily increasing number of Chinese who have received their education in America. So great a patriot as Cecil Rhodes in founding the Rhodes scholarships at Oxford for students from the colonies, the United States of America, and Germany, gave concrete expression to his opinion that \"educational relationships form the strongest tie\" and a sure basis for a good understanding between nations.\n\n3\n\nThe dominating feature of the American attitude in the Far East is the instinctive friendliness felt for and shown to China, not always, as we saw last winter, in a manner most judicious or most likely to conduce to the real interests of China herself. There can be no doubt that the support of American diplomacy tends to encourage China to adopt an attitude of stubborn opposition towards the advice and requests of other nations, and it is natural that diplomatists in Peking should regard with some suspicion what we, rightly or wrongly, consider as the too complaisant attitude of the American Legation towards the Chinese Government. I have before now commented on the lack of success, from the Chinese point of view, that attended the first incursion of the United States financiers supported by their Government into Far Eastern affairs. The results achieved hitherto, leaving out of consideration the loan for 10,000,000l. at present being negotiated, have been the indefinite postponement of the construction of the Hankow-Canton and Szechuan Railways and the agreement between Russia and Japan in Manchuria.\n\nIt is difficult at this distance to judge how far the fierce campaign in the American press directed from Peking by the \"New York Herald\" correspondent, Mr. Ohl, according to which Great Britain was represented as sacrificing America's friendship, China's interests and her own position in the Far East to her infatuation for her Japanese ally, in connection with the Chinchow-Aigun Railway scheme, either represented or affected public opinion in the United States. The financial group concerned, or rather their representative out here, Mr. Straight, made use of Mr. Ohl to continually attack our policy, and as Mr. Ohl was in close touch with the \"Peking Daily News\" and the Press Bureau at the Wai-wu Pu, hardly a day passed without violent diatribes being published in the Peking press in regard to our alleged unfriendly policy towards China and our disloyalty to the United States. Mr. Ohl summoned other yellow journalists to his aid, including a Mr. Millard, who published an article in the July number of the \"Forum\" on the subject of the Chinchow-Aigun Railway. The article in itself does not merit much attention, but it is noteworthy as containing the text of all the notes addressed by the various foreign legations in Peking to the Wai-wu Pu in regard to the railway scheme in question, these notes, I understand, having been communicated by some high official in the Wai-wu Pu, said to be his Excellency Liang Tun-yen, to Mr. Millard for publication. The style of Mr. Millard's reasoning can be gathered from the following sentence: \"I unhesitatingly declare my opinion that the issue raised in the matter of the Chinchow-Aigun Railway, broadly viewed, is one on which any self-respecting nation, if forced by antagonistic diplomacy into a position where it is squarely put, ought to go to war about.\"\n\nFortunately, there are other interests of greater importance than the construction of a railway of 800 miles in Manchuria, professedly a purely commercial venture, that determine the relations between Great Britain and the United States of America; and it certainly looks at present as if the furious press campaign got up in the interests of a financial group had missed fire.\n\nIt may be hoped that the visit of the delegates of the chambers of commerce may show them that there are other spheres in China besides Manchuria where American financiers can invest their capital with equal advantage to themselves, provided they are really desirous of assisting China in this manner, and do not merely aim at bringing forward political issues which place China in a difficult position vis-à-vis other Powers, where she cannot help herself, and where she cannot, in spite of the fulminations of the yellow press, look for material and effective help from her American friends.\n\nI have, &c.\n\nEnclosure 1 in No. 1.\n\nW. G. MAX MÜLLER,\n\nMemorandum by Mr. Fox on Delegation of Pacific Coast Business Men to China.\n\nTHE delegation of American business men now visiting China, whose departure from San Francisco was reported in Acting Consul-General Moore's despatch to the Foreign Office of the 23rd August last, arrived in Shanghai on the 16th September, and after visiting Soochow, Hangchow, Nanking, and Hankow reached Peking by rail on the 6th instant. From here they go to Tien-tsin; thence to Chefoo, Tsingtau, Amoy, Hong Kong, and Canton.\n\nThe party who style themselves\n\n[2982 r--2]\n\n\"Honourable Commissioners of American\n\nB 2\n\n490", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-373 - Public Offices - 1910.txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 429757, "series_id": 27, "series_slug": "histsyn-co129-engine", "series_title": "CO129 Colonial Office Hong Kong Records 理藩院香港檔案", "series_use_hku_proxy": false, "document_key": "CO129-373 - Public Offices - 1910", "page_number": 494, "title": "CO129-373 - Public Offices - 1910", "content_text": "2\n\nTheir flotation, of which class there are now several representatives in Peking. Some of these financial schemes have come to nothing, while others have already materialised. I need mention only a few of the smaller schemes to the exclusion of such loans as the supplementary loan for the construction of the Tien-tsin-Pukow Railway, the Hukuang Railway Loan, and the Chinchow-Aigun Railway Loan.\n\nAt the end of last year the province of Hupei issued a loan for 2,400,000 taels; during the summer the province of Anhui issued bonds for 1,200,000 taels, and for some time Messrs. Samuel Macgregor were in negotiation to take up 1,000,000 dollars' worth of these bonds, but the negotiations, as far as I know, fell through. At the present moment the province of Kuangsi is reported to be seeking to raise a loan of 10,000,000 dollars for the development of industries, while the Viceroys at Canton and Nanking have each asked the Hong Kong and Shanghai Bank for a loan of 3,000,000 taels to relieve the financial stringency in their respective provinces. I understand that an edict sanctioning these two last loans has been issued, but that the bank's directorate in Hong Kong, contrary to the advice of their agent in Peking, insist on an Imperial guarantee, on the ground of the arrangement to that effect come to with the allied financial groups.\n\nFor a similar reason Mr. Hillier had to break off negotiations with the Viceroy of Manchuria in regard to a loan of 10,000,000 taels for the industrial development of Manchuria. The English, French, and German banks felt that it was impossible to dispense with the Imperial guarantee, since it had been granted for all previous large loans, and the withholding of it might be regarded as an attempt to introduce an inferior class of bond which would seriously prejudice the public credit of China, though the banks expressed themselves as being entirely satisfied with the security offered by the Viceroy. In regard to this loan, I understand that it has already been brought to your notice that the American group advanced a prior claim to this loan on the strength of an agreement come to in August 1908 between Mr. Straight, the American consul-general in Mukden, and Tang Shao-yi, then Governor of Mukden. Personally I doubt whether this agreement was of any value, and in any case it was nullified by the terms of the Hong Kong and Shanghai Bank agreement, signed by the Viceroy of Manchuria and sanctioned by Imperial Edict on the 9th November, 1908, which gave a prior claim for any future loans to the bank. As a matter of fact, the question was never raised officially, and each side declared its willingness to admit the other to participation in the loan if obtained.\n\nAn agreement for this Manchurian loan has, as I have before stated, now been signed by Mr. Cloud, who represents another American group, the Hawley-Macey group, and is therefore not bound by the arrangement come to between the original American group and the three European banks, \"that they do not care to entertain a proposition for any Chinese provincial loan unless bearing an unconditional Imperial guarantee, and believe that it would be prejudicial to the interests of all concerned to have other groups entertain provincial loans unless so secured.\" It is, I hope, a mere coincidence that the moving spirit in this Hawley-Macey group is a Mr. Fearon, the vice-president of the international bank, and that the international bank here is the bank of the Kuhn-Loeb-Morgan group, and represents that group during the absence of Mr. Straight.\n\nMy despatch No. 300 of the 6th September informed you of the advance of 3,500,000 taels made by the combined foreign banks in Shanghai to enable the native banks involved in the financial crisis to tide over their difficulties and to restore confidence. As a matter of fact this result was not attained, and the Hong Kong and Shanghai Bank has already been approached in regard to a fresh loan of 2,000,000 taels, and it now appears as if still further loans would be necessary to help the Shanghai market.\n\nI have dealt at some length with the so-called \"Birchal\" loan for 450,000l. in my despatches No. 332 of the 22nd September and No. 345 of the 4th October, and I stated in them that the Board of Communications were at the same time borrowing 2,500,000 dollars from the Yokohama Specie Bank on similar terms. I now hear that the question of the \"Birchal\" loan, especially the manner in which it was obtained, is likely to come up for discussion in the Senate.\n\nMr. Hillier informs me that the Board of Communications have recently approached him for an immediate temporary advance of 1,000,000 dollars, but that he had to refer them elsewhere.\n\nI have no doubt that I could still further increase my list of loans and requests for loans, but I have cited enough to prove how urgent the demand for money is both on the part of the Imperial Government and of the provinces. Duke Tsai Tse,\n\n3\n\nin introducing the budget in the Senate, said: \"Money is needed to carry out the various branches of reforms, such as the organisation of the army, the promotion of commerce and education, and the development of industries. All this cannot be pushed forward without money.\"\n\nHe might have mentioned many more purposes for which money is urgently needed and is not forthcoming from the revenues of the country, and he omitted to give any hint of the source from which the necessary funds could be procured.\n\nThe negotiations with the American Legation are the first sign that the Imperial Government are alive to the advisability of abandoning the present system of living from hand to mouth, borrowing a little here and a little there on the easiest terms obtainable without any due thought to the real credit of the Empire in the money markets of the world.\n\nThe amount mentioned, 10,000,000, is obviously insufficient for all the reforms that China has in hand, and rumour talks of the necessity of far larger loans to follow. In financial questions I feel that I must speak with considerable diffidence, but I know that it is the hope of serious financiers interested in China that the floating of any large loans may afford a suitable opportunity of establishing some form of foreign financial control over the revenues of the Chinese Empire and over the expenditure of the proceeds of the loans, and may lead to the substitution for the arrangement between the three European and the American groups in regard to provincial loans of an agreement between the four Governments as to the attitude they will adopt towards loans floated by their nationals for the Chinese Government.\n\nI have, &c.\n\nW. G. MAX MÜLLER,\n\n493", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-373 - Public Offices - 1910.txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 434181, "series_id": 27, "series_slug": "histsyn-co129-engine", "series_title": "CO129 Colonial Office Hong Kong Records 理藩院香港檔案", "series_use_hku_proxy": false, "document_key": "CO129-382 - Public Offices - 1911", "page_number": 182, "title": "CO129-382 - Public Offices - 1911", "content_text": "**CONFIDENTIAL**\n\n## SECTION 2\n\n### No. 1. Memorandum communicated by Mr. Kato, December 14, 1910.\n\n**SUMMARY** of the agreement signed in London on the 10th November, 1910, among representatives of the British, French, German, and American groups:—\n\n**Consideration.** Each of the groups to bring into the common pool certain railway concessions (or any other adequate concessions (?)) in China appertaining to each of them.\n\n**Scope.** Loan and advances concluded or to be concluded with the Chinese Government or any of the provinces forming part of the Chinese Empire.\n\n**Conditions.** Independence of negotiations for each of the groups, but joint signature of agreement and equal division of results obligatory.\n\n**Period.** Agreement in force till the 31st December, 1912; thereafter, terminable at six months' notice.\n\nThe considerations tendered by the groups:\n\n| Group | Concessions |\n| --- | --- |\n| The British Group | The Hankow-Kwangtung Railway, the Hankow-Szechuan Railway, the Pukow-Sinyang Railway concessions. |\n| The French Group | The Hankow-Szechuan Railway concession. |\n| The German Group | The Hankow-Hunan Railway concession. |\n| The American Group | The Hankow-Szechuan Railway concession, the currency loan, and the Chinchow-Aigun Railway loan. |\n\nOn the 23rd November the French Ambassador in Tokyo called on Count Komura, and made in substance the following communication as under instructions: According to the American Ambassador in Paris, the object of the new Chinese loan was currency reform, whilst the French Minister to China reported that the question as to how the proceeds of the loan were to be used was not yet decided, and M. Pichon was uncertain which information was true. The French Government consented in principle to the participation of the French group in the Chinese loan, but should they find that the money was to be employed in any way not consistent with the stipulations of the Treaty of Portsmouth regarding Manchuria and Mongolia, or the special interests therein established by the two subsequent conventions between Japan and Russia, they would cause the French financiers to take immediate steps to decline their participation in the loan. In short, the Government of the republic desired to announce that their attitude on the Chinese loan in question was exactly the same as that which they assumed in regard to the Manchurian railways neutralisation question of the last year.\n\nPage 180\nPage 181", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-382 - Public Offices - 1911.txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 434189, "series_id": 27, "series_slug": "histsyn-co129-engine", "series_title": "CO129 Colonial Office Hong Kong Records 理藩院香港檔案", "series_use_hku_proxy": false, "document_key": "CO129-382 - Public Offices - 1911", "page_number": 190, "title": "CO129-382 - Public Offices - 1911", "content_text": "# CO 1168\n## AFFAIRS OF CHINA\n**CONFIDENTIAL**\n\nRESP REGS 13 JAN 11\n\n[December 28.]\n\n### SECTION 1.\n\nNo. 1.\n\n**Sir C. MacDonald to Sir Edward Grey**,(Received December 28.)\n\n**(No. 268. Very Confidential.)** Sir,\n\nTokyo, December 9, 1910.\n\nAMONGST the confidential print recently received at this embassy is your despatch No. 288 of the 22nd September, 1910, in reply to one from His Majesty's representative in Washington, No. 183, Very Confidential, dated the 24th August, 1910.\n\nMr. Bryce points out that the State Department in Washington do not appear to have succeeded in fully appreciating the views which have guided the policy of His Majesty's Government with regard to the construction of railways in Manchuria, and the attitude of Great Britain towards the Chinchow-Aigun project, which attitude appears to have to some extent irritated American official feeling.\n\nMr. Bryce further states that Mr. Huntington Wilson, Assistant Secretary of State and Acting Secretary during the summer absence of Mr. Knox from Washington, had indulged in language of unbecoming strength with reference to the Russo-Japanese Convention recently concluded, and particularly with regard to Great Britain's share in its conclusion. Mr. Bryce adds that very similar expressions had been used by Mr. Miller, the head of the Far Eastern Department, who also \"showed himself equally hostile to the convention, though at the same time manifesting a juster appreciation of the attitude of Great Britain in the matter.\" In concluding his despatch, Mr. Bryce thinks that it is desirable that His Majesty's Government should take any further opportunity that might present itself of soothing American susceptibilities in Eastern matters, and should make it plain to them that, whatever be the purposes of Russia and Japan, His Majesty's Government have no share in any policy unfriendly to the commercial policy of the United States in that part of the world.\n\nBoth the gentlemen mentioned by His Majesty's representative in Washington were for many years attached to the American Legation (as it then was) in Tokyo, Mr. Wilson as Second Secretary and Mr. Miller as Japanese Secretary, and they are both well known to me. Of the former, Mr. Bryce says that he enjoys little weight among his countrymen and none at all with the President, though his voice carries a certain weight in the State Department owing to the not very keen interest taken by Mr. Knox in the affairs of his office.\n\nThat Mr. Wilson's voice or opinions could carry any weight anywhere is remarkable; when attached to the American Legation here he was considered of no consequence whatever; tactlessly hostile to the people of the country, he was much more occupied in ascertaining whether he had been properly placed at diplomatic functions in accordance with his rank (he was for a brief period chargé d'affaires) than in cultivating friendly relations with the Japanese or with his colleagues. He had the good sense, or rather the good fortune, to marry a very pretty and clever wife, to whose influence and management of her husband was due his transference to the State Department.\n\nMr. Miller, originally a missionary in Japan, was possessed of a scholarly knowledge of the Japanese language, a sound judgment, and wide appreciation of the good and bad points of the Japanese character. His relations with this legation and myself were always most cordial.\n\nIn your reply to Mr. Bryce you fully concur with his Excellency as to the extreme desirability of working with the Americans and not imperilling our good relations with them in other parts of the world by adhering too literally to the policy of strict reciprocity in the Far East, but you point out what a difficult position His Majesty's Government have been placed in by the recent policy of the United States in China. As evidence of this policy you refer (1) to the ill-timed proposals made by the United States in the winter of 1909-10 for the internationalisation of railways in ...", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-382 - Public Offices - 1911.txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 434192, "series_id": 27, "series_slug": "histsyn-co129-engine", "series_title": "CO129 Colonial Office Hong Kong Records 理藩院香港檔案", "series_use_hku_proxy": false, "document_key": "CO129-382 - Public Offices - 1911", "page_number": 193, "title": "CO129-382 - Public Offices - 1911", "content_text": "## Memorandum communicated by Mr. Kato, December 14, 1910.\n\n**SUMMARY** of the agreement signed in London on the 10th November, 1910, among representatives of the British, French, German, and American groups:\n\n**Consideration.** Each of the groups to bring into the common pool certain railway concessions (or any other adequate concessions (?)) in China appertaining to each of them.\n\n**Scope.** Loan and advances concluded or to be concluded with the Chinese Government or any of the provinces forming part of the Chinese Empire.\n\n**Conditions.** Independence of negotiations for each of the groups, but joint signature of agreement and equal division of results obligatory.\n\n**Period.** Agreement in force till the 31st December, 1912; thereafter, terminable at six months' notice.\n\nThe considerations tendered by the groups:\n\n| Group | Concessions |\n| --- | --- |\n| The British Group | The Hankow-Kwangtung Railway, the Hankow-Szechuan Railway, the Pukow-Sinyang Railway concessions. |\n| The French Group | The Hankow-Szechuan Railway concession. |\n| The German Group | The Hankow-Hunan Railway concession. |\n| The American Group | The Hankow-Szechuan Railway concession, the currency loan, and the Chinchow-Aigun Railway loan. |\n\nOn the 23rd November, the French Ambassador in Tokyo called on Count Komura and made, in substance, the following communication as under instructions:\n\nAccording to the American Ambassador in Paris, the object of the new Chinese loan was currency reform, whilst the French Minister to China reported that the question as to how the proceeds of the loan were to be used was not yet decided, and M. Pichon was uncertain which information was true. The French Government consented in principle to the participation of the French group in the Chinese loan, but should they find that the money was to be employed in any way not consistent with the stipulations of the Treaty of Portsmouth regarding Manchuria and Mongolia, or the special interests therein established by the two subsequent conventions between Japan and Russia, they would cause the French financiers to take immediate steps to decline their participation in the loan. In short, the Government of the Republic desired to announce that their attitude on the Chinese loan in question was exactly the same as that which they assumed in regard to the Manchurian railways neutralisation question of the last year.\n\n## \n\n2\n\nThe administration agreed to co-operate with the American group for the working of two coal mines in the vicinity of the railway, in which Pauling and Co. would also be interested.\n\nA further letter from the administration, dated the 30th April, 1910, referred to the use of loan funds for colonisation purposes and the opening of an ice-free port at Chinchou.\n\nThe letters from the Viceroy, dated the 26th April, 1910, were accepted by Mr. Straight on that date, his acceptance of the final loan agreement, however, being made conditional upon the receipt of the assurances which were eventually embodied in the two letters received from the administration on the 30th April, 1910, together with an engagement on the part of the Viceroy that the construction contract with Pauling and Co. (Limited) was practically concluded.\n\nOn the 30th April, 1910, therefore, Mr. Straight addressed to the Viceroy a letter finally accepting the loan agreement and the letters supplementary thereto.\n\nMessrs. Pauling and Co., who were parties to the preliminary agreement, concluded their construction contract with the Manchurian administration early in May. This contract was recognised as final in a letter similar to that addressed by the Viceroy to Mr. Straight with regard to the final loan agreement.\n\nBy private arrangement between Messrs. Pauling and Co. and the American group, it is provided that Pauling and Co. shall pay to the American group 24 per cent on the contract price for the line, certain provisions being made for additional payments in case Messrs. Pauling and Co.'s profits exceed a certain percentage on the total cost. Messrs. Pauling and Co. have also engaged that, where foreign materials are used in the construction of the railway, one-half shall be American and one-half British.\n\nThe American group is authorised by Messrs. Pauling and Co. to state that, in case the other parties to the interbank and intergroup agreements concluded on the 10th November, 1910, accept the offer of the American group to participate in the Chinchou-Aigun loan, they shall be entitled to a pro-rata share of the 24 per cent to be paid by Messrs. Pauling and Co. on the contract price, and Messrs. Pauling and Co. will, in so far as possible (in view of the fact that their contract price has been based on all foreign materials used being one-half American and one-half British), use German and French materials in addition as nearly as possible in equal proportions. In case the other parties to the interbank agreement accept the American offer of participation in the Chinchou-Aigun loan on the basis above outlined, Messrs. Pauling and Co. will be prepared to exhibit their construction contract.\n\nThe Russian Government has informed the Chinese Government that it objects to the construction of the Chinchou-Aigun Railway, and in the face of this opposition, China has not yet seen fit to ratify the detailed agreement.\n\nJapan has informed China that she has no objection to the Chinchou-Aigun Railway, but that should it be constructed, she desires such participation as may be agreed upon by the interested parties, and desires also that China shall engage to construct a branch line between the Chinchou-Aigun Railway and the South Manchurian Railway.\n\nIn order to secure the withdrawal of the Russian opposition, various alternative schemes have been proposed; none of these, however, has as yet been adopted.\n\nA suggestion has recently been informally put forward by the Russian Minister in Peking, which is now being considered by the group, and which, if acceptable to China, would provide for the construction of a line from Chinchou via Taonan-fu to Hailar, and of another line from Harbin to Aigun.\n\nIt is hoped that, since Russia shows no disposition to obstruct all railway construction in Manchuria, a solution of the present difficulties may be reached satisfactory to all parties.\n\nIt is probable, in the light of the Russian objection to the Chinchou-Aigun Railway as originally contemplated, that certain amendments must be introduced in both the loan and the construction contracts to meet new conditions, and it is in this connection that the American group anticipates it will be possible to so amend the final agreement, as now accepted, as to permit of the admission of the other parties to the interbank agreement.\n\nW. D. S.\n\nNovember 9, 1910.\n\n**CONFIDENTIAL.**\n\n`CO 1168`\n`[December 14.]`\n`REGE 13 JAN 11`\n`No. 1.`", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-382 - Public Offices - 1911.txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 434195, "series_id": 27, "series_slug": "histsyn-co129-engine", "series_title": "CO129 Colonial Office Hong Kong Records 理藩院香港檔案", "series_use_hku_proxy": false, "document_key": "CO129-382 - Public Offices - 1911", "page_number": 196, "title": "CO129-382 - Public Offices - 1911", "content_text": "# AFFAIRS OF CHINA\n## CONFIDENTIAL\n### [46655]\n#### No. 1\n##### [December 28.]\n###### SECTION 1\n\nSir C. MacDonald to Sir Edward Grey.~(Received December 28.)\n\n**(No. 268. Very Confidential.)** Sir,\n\nTokyo, December 9, 1910. AMONGST the confidential print recently received at this embassy is your despatch No. 288 of the 22nd September, 1910, in reply to one from His Majesty's representative in Washington, No. 183, Very Confidential, dated the 24th August, 1910.\n\nMr. Bryce points out that the State Department in Washington do not appear to have succeeded in fully appreciating the views which have guided the policy of His Majesty's Government with regard to the construction of railways in Manchuria, and the attitude of Great Britain towards the Chinchow-Aigun project, which attitude appears to have to some extent irritated American official feeling.\n\nMr. Bryce further states that Mr. Huntington Wilson, Assistant Secretary of State and Acting Secretary during the summer absence of Mr. Knox from Washington, had indulged in language of unbecoming strength with reference to the Russo-Japanese Convention recently concluded, and particularly with regard to Great Britain's share in its conclusion. Mr. Bryce adds that very similar expressions had been used by Mr. Miller, the head of the Far Eastern Department, who also \"showed himself equally hostile to the convention, though at the same time manifesting a juster appreciation of the attitude of Great Britain in the matter.\" In concluding his despatch, Mr. Bryce thinks that it is desirable that His Majesty's Government should take any further opportunity that might present itself of soothing American susceptibilities in Eastern matters, and should make it plain to them that, whatever be the purposes of Russia and Japan, His Majesty's Government have no share in any policy unfriendly to the commercial policy of the United States in that part of the world.\n\nBoth the gentlemen mentioned by His Majesty's representative in Washington were for many years attached to the American Legation (as it then was) in Tokyo, Mr. Wilson as Second Secretary and Mr. Miller as Japanese Secretary, and they are both well known to me. Of the former, Mr. Bryce says that he enjoys little weight among his countrymen and none at all with the President, though his voice carries a certain weight in the State Department owing to the not very keen interest taken by Mr. Knox in the affairs of his office.\n\nThat Mr. Wilson's voice or opinions could carry any weight anywhere is remarkable; when attached to the American Legation here he was considered of no consequence whatever; tactlessly hostile to the people of the country, he was much more occupied in ascertaining whether he had been properly placed at diplomatic functions in accordance with his rank (he was for a brief period chargé d'affaires) than in cultivating friendly relations with the Japanese or with his colleagues. He had the good sense, or rather the good fortune, to marry a very pretty and clever wife, to whose influence and management of her husband was due his transference to the State Department.\n\nMr. Miller, originally a missionary in Japan, was possessed of a scholarly knowledge of the Japanese language, a sound judgment, and wide appreciation of the good and bad points of the Japanese character. His relations with this legation and myself were always most cordial.\n\nIn your reply to Mr. Bryce you fully concur with his Excellency as to the extreme desirability of working with the Americans and not imperilling our good relations with them in other parts of the world by adhering too literally to the policy of strict reciprocity in the Far East, but you point out what a difficult position His Majesty's Government have been placed in by the recent policy of the United States in China. As evidence of this policy you refer (1) to the ill-timed proposals made by the United States in the winter of 1909-10 for the internationalisation of railways in ...", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-382 - Public Offices - 1911.txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 434289, "series_id": 27, "series_slug": "histsyn-co129-engine", "series_title": "CO129 Colonial Office Hong Kong Records 理藩院香港檔案", "series_use_hku_proxy": false, "document_key": "CO129-382 - Public Offices - 1911", "page_number": 290, "title": "CO129-382 - Public Offices - 1911", "content_text": "**(This Document is the Property of His Britannic Majesty's Government.)**\n\n## C\n\n2\n\nWe have issued strict orders to induce suppression of disorder, and to treat those who disregard counsel and banded themselves into law-resisting mobs by prompt arrest and severe punishment.\n\nNow the Ministers of the Grand Council have also presented a memorial on this aspect of affairs. This, too, is improper.\n\nThe reduction of the period for the inauguration of Parliament to the 5th year of Hsuan Tung was fixed by our decree in answer to the request, after collective discussion, of the Ministers of the Court. At that time we stated clearly that after that notification any further proposal for relaxation of the period was absolutely impossible. It is precisely the multiplicity of affairs and the nearness of the date which makes pushing on all branches of the work of preparation essential, and renders impossible the avoidance of difficulties of every type. The Viceroys and governors of the various provinces, in their reports and memorials, have likewise for the most part realised this. Yet ignorant and irresponsible persons, not appreciating this point of view, still give vent to their demands, and constantly collect together in large gatherings and intimidate the authorities.\n\nAt present, too, under the title of the representatives of Manchuria, such persons have come to Peking and caused repeated worry and trouble by handing in plaints; such a proceeding is a gross breach of propriety.\n\nWe command the Board of the Interior and the office of the commandant of gendarmerie forthwith to depute officials to convey men of this class immediately to their native places, to carry on peaceably each his own calling; they must be forbidden to loiter in Peking.\n\nThe Throne has repeatedly displayed most generous leniency towards ignorant and stupid folk who, in stress of hard times, give utterance to wild statements; yet, in spite of this, subjects of the State though they are, they actually defy right and law. There is grave fear that evil persons are secretly endeavouring by trumped-up pretexts to inflame men's minds, with the hope of causing a disturbance of the public peace. Unless at the very outset precautions are taken thoroughly to suppress trouble and inflict penalties, the result must inevitably be an outbreak of rebellion.\n\nHereafter, should there be a continuance of persons coming to Peking and trumping up pleas to create trouble, the Board of the Interior and the office of the commandant of gendarmerie will assuredly be held responsible.\n\nIn the provinces, should further cases of riotous assemblings take place, the very fact will prove the participants to be lawless and dishonest folk. The Viceroys and governors are, each and all, invested with the responsibility for the territory under their several jurisdictions. We command that they shall forthwith yield implicit obedience to our Imperial decree of the 4th November, make prompt arrests, and inflict severe punishments. There must not be the slightest display of toleration. Our aim is to secure that the people may live in peace, and to guard against secret sources of disaster.\n\n## [B]\n\n**AFFAIRS OF CHINA.**\n\n**CONFIDENTIAL.**\n\n[2212]\n\nNo. 1.\n\nC O 3447\n\n[January 19.]\n\nof 3 FEB 11\n\n### SECTION 1.\n\nSir J. Jordan to Sir Edward Grey.-(Received January 19.)\n\n**(No. 2. Confidential.)** Sir,\n\nPeking, January 2, 1911.\n\nI HAVE the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your despatch No. 340 of the 27th September last, enclosing copies of correspondence between yourself and His Majesty's Ambassador at Washington in regard to the irritation felt in certain circles in America at the attitude adopted by His Majesty's Government towards American proposals for the construction of railways in Manchuria, and inviting me to offer suggestions as to what action could properly be taken to soothe in some degree this feeling of irritation.\n\nThe soreness which apparently exists at Washington on the subject of British policy in China dates from June 1909, when the Americans intervened in the Hukuang Railway question. Mr. Rockhill, the American Minister, who had no sympathy with the new departure in American policy in China, was transferred to St. Petersburgh, and the direction of the legation was placed in the hands of Mr. Fletcher, who warmly espoused the cause of the American financiers and greatly underestimated the difficulties which the enforcement of the new policy necessarily involved.\n\nMr. Straight, a comparatively young man, who had risen with unexampled rapidity from a subordinate position in the Chinese Customs service to the post of United States consul-general at Mukden, came here to represent the American group of financiers, and both he and Mr. Fletcher were impatient at the delay in the negotiations which prevented them from realising the extravagant expectations with which the scheme of industrial exploitation of China had been launched. The correspondents of the \"New York Herald\" and of other American newspapers were not slow to attribute the failure of American plans to the attitude of the British group of financiers, and for a time the relations of the two groups were somewhat strained. All this has now passed away, and a feeling of mutual confidence has happily taken its place.\n\nAs regards the more immediate subject of American irritation--our attitude towards the Chinchow-Aigun Railway project--a reconciliation of views is, I fear, far more difficult. The project is essentially a political one rather than an economic one. It originated with Tong Shao-yi, when Governor of Mukden, and was avowedly an attempt to enlist American and British support as a means of counteracting the growing influence of Japan in Manchuria. It aroused much enthusiasm amongst a considerable number of Chinese officials in Peking who had received their education in America, and great disappointment was felt that the British Government did not see its way to join the Americans in championing what were considered the rights of China. Our reluctance to do more than play the part of benevolent spectators was freely ascribed by American newspaper correspondents to our alliance with Japan, which obliged us to sacrifice our commercial interests to considerations of political friendship. Japan, it is generally considered, is following the procedure in Manchuria which led to the annexation of Corea, and it is thought strange that we should view with indifference the prospect of one of the richest regions in Asia being eventually closed against our trade by a highly protective tariff.\n\nAssuming even that Japan is bent upon the absorption of Manchuria, I do not myself see that any measures which we or the United States are likely to take will seriously affect the result. The future of Manchuria will probably depend more upon China herself, and the ability of her people to meet Japanese economic competition than upon any outside support which even the United States will feel justified in offering.\n\nSo far, therefore, as Manchuria is concerned, I am afraid we cannot do much, having regard to our obligations to Japan, to soothe American susceptibilities. If the Americans would accept any of the various compromises that have at different... \n\nPage 288", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-382 - Public Offices - 1911.txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 434290, "series_id": 27, "series_slug": "histsyn-co129-engine", "series_title": "CO129 Colonial Office Hong Kong Records 理藩院香港檔案", "series_use_hku_proxy": false, "document_key": "CO129-382 - Public Offices - 1911", "page_number": 291, "title": "CO129-382 - Public Offices - 1911", "content_text": "times been suggested by Japan and Russia, we might perhaps use our influence with those Powers to arrange some settlement of the Chinchow-Aigun project, but Mr. Straight, I understand, will have no half measures. According to the Russian Minister here, when M. Isvolsky pointed out to Mr. Straight the difficulty there would be in carrying the proposed line across the Russian railway, the latter retorted that a tunnel or an overhead railway would serve the purpose. Language like this does not naturally tend to disarm opposition.\n\nThe Chinchow-Aigun project has, however, been quiescent for some time past, and the Americans are now engaged in pressing other schemes in which their interests, Mr. Calhoun is still somewhat lukewarm, are practically identical with our own.\n\nabout the Hukuang Railway loan, but he has at least assisted by his presence at an interview for pressing the question upon the attention of the Wai-wu Pu.\n\nIn their negotiations for the currency loan of 10,000,000l. the Americans know that they have our cordial sympathy, and except for some isolated and ill-timed incursions of American missionaries into the opium question, there are fortunately no longer any grounds for conflict between American and British policy in China.\n\nI am glad to note a distinct improvement in this respect during the last few months, and it will be my earnest endeavour to do what I can to maintain it, although we must always, I fear, be prepared for our policy in China being viewed with unreasonable suspicion both by China and America. This is one of the penalties which we have to pay for the political advantages which we reap from our alliance with Japan.\n\nI have, &c.\n \n**J. N. JORDAN**\n\nP.S. Since writing the above I have read Mr. Max Müller's despatch No. 388 of the 28th October last, which illustrates, very fully, American political methods in China. The views expressed in that despatch are in entire accord with my own experience.\n\nJ. N. J.\n\n[This Document is the Property of His Britannic Majesty's Government.]\n\nPage 3447\n\n# CHINA RAILWAYS\n## 3 FEB II\n### CONFIDENTIAL\n\n[September 19.]\n\n## SECTION 1.\n\n[33923]\n\n### No. 1.\n\n**Mr. Max Müller to Sir Edward Grey.-(Received September 19.) (No. 294.)** Sir,\n\nI HAVE the honour to report that on the 23rd August an Imperial decree was issued cashiering Tang Shou-chien, president of the Chekiang Provincial Railway Company, forbidding him to take any further part in railway affairs.\n\nTang's downfall is due to his having sent a long telegram to the Grand Council, in which he protested vehemently against Sheng Hsuan-huai being instructed to proceed to take up his post as junior vice-president of the Board of Communications. Sheng was accused by Tang of general mismanagement of railway affairs in the past and of enriching himself at the expense of the public. However, the telegram was so insolent in tone that on the advice of the Grand Council the Prince Regent dismissed T'ang from office.\n\nTang, as is generally known, has been at the bottom of all the trouble connected with the Shanghai-Ningpo Railway and the failure to observe the terms of the Loan Agreement. It is to be hoped, therefore, that now he has been removed conditions on this railway will be improved, and that the Board of Communications will be encouraged at an early date to take the control of the line into their own hands in the manner suggested in my note to the Wai-wu Pu of the 14th June, forwarded to you in my despatch No. 203 of the 18th June.\n\nSo far as can be seen at present the Chekiang gentry are not prepared to meekly acquiesce in T'ang's sudden dismissal, and meetings have been organised at Hangchow to protest against the action of the Government. It is not expected, however, that the agitation on behalf of T'ang will assume serious proportions, and Mr. Liu Yu-lin has informed me that in any case it will not influence the attitude of the central Government.\n\nIn official circles the cashiering of Tang Shou-ch'ien meets with general approval, and the hope is expressed that it may be indicative of the future action of the Government in regard to railway construction. It is evident that centralisation of authority is essential to successful railway construction in China and in order to ensure this no recognition should be afforded to provincial railway companies. It is to be hoped that Tang's dismissal is a sign that the Chinese Government are prepared to observe this principle.\n\nI have, &c.\n\n**W. G. MAX MÜLLER**\n\nPage 289", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-382 - Public Offices - 1911.txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 434300, "series_id": 27, "series_slug": "histsyn-co129-engine", "series_title": "CO129 Colonial Office Hong Kong Records 理藩院香港檔案", "series_use_hku_proxy": false, "document_key": "CO129-382 - Public Offices - 1911", "page_number": 301, "title": "CO129-382 - Public Offices - 1911", "content_text": "# [This Document is the Property of His Britannic Majesty's Government.]\n\n**CONFIDENTIAL**\n\n[2212]\n\n## No. 1.\n\n### January 19.\n\n#### SECTION 1.\n\nSir J. Jordan to Sir Edward Grey.-(Received January 19.)\n\n**(No. 2. Confidential.)**\n\nPeking, January 2, 1911.\n\nI HAVE the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your despatch No. 340 of the 27th September last, enclosing copies of correspondence between yourself and His Majesty's Ambassador at Washington in regard to the irritation felt in certain circles in America at the attitude adopted by His Majesty's Government towards American proposals for the construction of railways in Manchuria, and inviting me to offer suggestions as to what action could properly be taken to soothe in some degree this feeling of irritation.\n\nThe soreness which apparently exists at Washington on the subject of British policy in China dates from June 1909, when the Americans intervened in the Hukuang Railway question. Mr. Rockhill, the American Minister, who had no sympathy with the new departure in American policy in China, was transferred to St. Petersburgh, and the direction of the legation was placed in the hands of Mr. Fletcher, who warmly espoused the cause of the American financiers and greatly underestimated the difficulties which the enforcement of the new policy necessarily involved.\n\nMr. Straight, a comparatively young man, who had risen with unexampled rapidity from a subordinate position in the Chinese Customs service to the post of United States consul-general at Mukden, came here to represent the American group of financiers, and both he and Mr. Fletcher were impatient at the delay in the negotiations which prevented them from realising the extravagant expectations with which the scheme of industrial exploitation of China had been launched.\n\nThe correspondents of the \"New York Herald\" and of other American newspapers were not slow to attribute the failure of American plans to the attitude of the British group of financiers, and for a time the relations of the two groups were somewhat strained. All this has now passed away, and a feeling of mutual confidence has happily taken its place.\n\nAs regards the more immediate subject of American irritation—our attitude towards the Chinchow-Aigun Railway project—a reconciliation of views is, I fear, far more difficult. The project is essentially a political one rather than an economic one. It originated with Tong Shao-yi, when Governor of Mukden, and was avowedly an attempt to enlist American and British support as a means of counteracting the growing influence of Japan in Manchuria. It aroused much enthusiasm amongst a considerable number of Chinese officials in Peking who had received their education in America, and great disappointment was felt that the British Government did not see its way to join the Americans in championing what were considered the rights of China. Our reluctance to do more than play the part of benevolent spectators was freely ascribed by American newspaper correspondents to our alliance with Japan, which obliged us to sacrifice our commercial interests to considerations of political friendship. Japan, it is generally considered, is following the procedure in Manchuria which led to the annexation of Corea, and it is thought strange that we should view with indifference the prospect of one of the richest regions in Asia being eventually closed against our trade by a highly protective tariff.\n\nAssuming even that Japan is bent upon the absorption of Manchuria, I do not myself see that any measures which we or the United States are likely to take will seriously affect the result. The future of Manchuria will probably depend more upon China herself, and the ability of her people to meet Japanese economic competition than upon any outside support which even the United States will feel justified in offering.\n\nSo far, therefore, as Manchuria is concerned, I am afraid we cannot do much, having regard to our obligations to Japan, to soothe American susceptibilities. If the Americans would accept any of the various compromises that have at different... \n\n[1850 -1] \n## Page 299", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-382 - Public Offices - 1911.txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 434301, "series_id": 27, "series_slug": "histsyn-co129-engine", "series_title": "CO129 Colonial Office Hong Kong Records 理藩院香港檔案", "series_use_hku_proxy": false, "document_key": "CO129-382 - Public Offices - 1911", "page_number": 302, "title": "CO129-382 - Public Offices - 1911", "content_text": "## \n\n2 \n\ntimes been suggested by Japan and Russia, we might perhaps use our influence with these Powers to arrange some settlement of the Chinchow-Aigun project, but Mr. Straight, I understand, will have no half measures. According to the Russian Minister here, when M. Isvolsky pointed out to Mr. Straight the difficulty there would be in carrying the proposed line across the Russian railway, the latter retorted that a tunnel or an overhead railway would serve the purpose. Language like this does not naturally tend to disarm opposition, \n\nThe Chinchow-Aigun project has, however, been quiescent for some time past, and the Americans are now engaged in pressing other schemes in which their interests are practically identical with our own. Mr. Calhoun is still somewhat lukewarm about the Hukuang Railway loan, but he has at least assisted by his presence at an interview for pressing the question upon the attention of the Wai-wu Pu. \n\nIn their negotiations for the currency loan of 10,000,000l. the Americans know that they have our cordial sympathy, and except for some isolated and ill-timed incursions of American missionaries into the opium question, there are fortunately no longer any grounds for conflict between American and British policy in China. \n\nI am glad to note a distinct improvement in this respect during the last few months, and it will be my earnest endeavour to do what I can to maintain it, although we must always, I fear, be prepared for our policy in China being viewed with unreasonable suspicion both by China and America. This is one of the penalties which we have to pay for the political advantages which we reap from our alliance with Japan. \n\nI have, &c. \n\n**J. N. JORDAN**\n\nP.S. Since writing the above I have read Mr. Max Müller's despatch No. `388` of the 28th October last, which illustrates, very fully, American political methods in China. The views expressed in that despatch are in entire accord with my own experience. \n\n**J. N. J.**\n\n`1911` \n\n| Date | |\n| --- | --- |\n| | Feb |\n| Last previous Paper | Cout `15` Teb |\n| Print to | { Straits) Conf. |\n| | `300` |\n| | HONG KONG CASTORN |\n| | `3448` |\n| | `33 1` |\n| | `3445` |\n| | Pruits of further |\n| | CA |\n| | Colonel Seely |\n| | Xer |\n| | are |\n| | her corr |\n| | M. Stabil |\n| | several important prints here |\n| | Jan `1181`. Jan `1881`. |\n| | Jan `2382` |\n| | Jan |\n\n| | |\n| --- | --- |\n| | `13` $1 |\n| | so to No |\n| | proposed Opin Conference |\n| | (`33.413`), `W1.28,032--50`. |\n| | `20,000`. `13,10`. `A.&L.W.A` |\n| | ext subsequent Paper |\n| | `07:3` |\n| | `6.2` |\n| | ABBY |\n| | Jan |\n| | F2 |\n| | agreement |\n| | Jastruction of expat fon |\n| | India. |\n| | Pripts to Strants |\n| | HK |\n| | Uff comf |\n| | `4/2` |\n| | 的 |\n| | `3/2`. |\n| | `72-11` |", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-382 - Public Offices - 1911.txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 434343, "series_id": 27, "series_slug": "histsyn-co129-engine", "series_title": "CO129 Colonial Office Hong Kong Records 理藩院香港檔案", "series_use_hku_proxy": false, "document_key": "CO129-382 - Public Offices - 1911", "page_number": 344, "title": "CO129-382 - Public Offices - 1911", "content_text": "**CONFIDENTIAL**\n\n[45233]\n\n[AMENDED COPY.]\n\nNo. 1.\n\n5712\n\nNovember 30\n\n24 FEB SECTION 2.\n\n**Memorandum** communicated by Mr. Kato, November 30, 1910.\n\n**SUMMARY** of the agreement signed in London on the 10th November, 1910, among representatives of the British, French, German, and American groups :--\n\n* Consideration.--Each of the groups to bring into the common pool certain railway concessions (or any other adequate concessions (?)) in China appertaining to each of them.\n* Scope.--Loan and advances concluded or to be concluded with the Chinese Government or any of the provinces forming part of the Chinese Empire.\n* Conditions.--Independence of negotiations for each of the groups, but joint signature of agreement and equal division of results obligatory.\n* Period.--Agreement in force till the 31st December, 1912; thereafter, terminable at six months' notice.\n\nThe considerations tendered by the groups :-----\n\n| Group | Concessions |\n|--------------|--------------------------------------------------|\n| British | The Hankow-Kwangtung Railway, the Hankow-Szechuan Railway, the Pukow-Sinyang Railway concessions. |\n| French | The Hankow-Szechuan Railway concession. |\n| German | The Hankow-Hunan Railway concession. |\n| American | The Hankow-Szechuan Railway concession, the currency loan, and the Chinchow-Aigun Railway loan. |\n\nOn the 23rd November the French Ambassador in Tokyo called on Count Komura, and made in substance the following communication as under instructions:-- According to the American Ambassador in Paris, the object of the new Chinese loan was currency reform, whilst the French Minister to China reported that the question as to how the proceeds of the loan were to be used was not yet decided, and M. Pichon was uncertain which information was true. The French Government consented in principle to the participation of the French group in the Chinese loan, but should they find that the money was to be employed in any way not consistent with the stipulations of the Treaty of Portsmouth regarding Manchuria and Mongolia, or the special interests therein established by the two subsequent conventions between Japan and Russia, they would cause the French financiers to take immediate steps to decline their participation in the loan. In short, the Government of the republic desired to announce that their attitude on the Chinese loan in question was exactly the same as that which they assumed in regard to the Manchurian railways neutralisation question of the last year.\n\n[2982 gg-2]\n\n342 \nPage 342", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-382 - Public Offices - 1911.txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 434364, "series_id": 27, "series_slug": "histsyn-co129-engine", "series_title": "CO129 Colonial Office Hong Kong Records 理藩院香港檔案", "series_use_hku_proxy": false, "document_key": "CO129-382 - Public Offices - 1911", "page_number": 365, "title": "CO129-382 - Public Offices - 1911", "content_text": "**CONFIDENTIAL**\n\n# CHINA RAILWAYS.\n\n363\n\n## SECTION No. 1.\n\n### Memorandum communicated by Mr. Kato, November 30, 1910.\n\n**SUMMARY** of the agreement signed in London on the 10th November, 1910, among representatives of the British, French, German, and American groups :---\n\n* Consideration. Each of the groups to bring into the common pool certain railway concessions (or any other adequate concessions (?)) in China appertaining to each of them.\n* Scope-Loan and advances concluded or to be concluded with the Chinese Government or any of the provinces forming part of the Chinese Empire.\n* Conditions.--Independence of negotiations for each of the groups, but joint signature of agreement and equal division of results obligatory.\n* Period. Agreement in force till the 31st December, 1912; thereafter, terminable at six months' notice.\n\nThe considerations tendered by the groups ---\n\n| Group | Concessions |\n| --- | --- |\n| The British Group. | The Hankow-Kwangtung Railway, the Hankow-Szechuan Railway, the Pukow-Sinyang Railway concessions. |\n| The French Group. | The Hankow-Szechuan Railway concession. |\n| The German Group. | The Hankow-Hunan Railway concession. |\n| The American Group. | The Hankow-Szechuan Railway concession, the currency loan, and the Chinchow-Aigun Railway loan. |\n\nOn the 23rd November the French Ambassador in Tokyo called on Count Komura, and made in substance the following communication as under instructions :-- According to the American Ambassador in Paris, the object of the new Chinese loan was currency reform, whilst the French Minister to China reported that the question as to how the proceeds of the loan were to be used was not yet decided, and M. Pichon was uncertain which information was true. The French Government consented in principle to the participation of the French group in the Chinese loan, but should they find that the money was to be employed in any way not consistent with the stipulations of the Treaty of Portsmouth regarding Manchuria and Mongolia, or the special interests therein established by the two subsequent conventions between Japan and Russia, they would cause the French financiers to take immediate steps to decline their participation in the loan. In short, the Government of the republic desired to announce that their attitude on the Chinese loan in question was exactly the same as that which they assumed in regard to the Manchurian railways neutralisation question of the last year.\n\n[2971 gg-1]", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-382 - Public Offices - 1911.txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 434368, "series_id": 27, "series_slug": "histsyn-co129-engine", "series_title": "CO129 Colonial Office Hong Kong Records 理藩院香港檔案", "series_use_hku_proxy": false, "document_key": "CO129-382 - Public Offices - 1911", "page_number": 369, "title": "CO129-382 - Public Offices - 1911", "content_text": "# CHINA RAILWAYS\n## CONFIDENTIAL\n\n[3063]\n### No. 1\n\nPeking, January 6, 1911\n\nSir J. Jordan to Sir Edward Grey.-(Received January 26.) **(No. 7. Confidential.)**\n\nIN my despatch No. 359, Confidential, of the 6th August, 1908, on the subject of the proposed construction of a railway line from Chinchow-fu to Taonan-fu, in Manchuria, I said that the success of the scheme would depend largely upon the capabilities of Chinchow as a winter, that is to say, ice-free port, and Mr. Max Müller, in his despatch No. 169 of the 29th May last, reported to you, on the authority of His Majesty's consul-general at Mukden, that the Provincial Government of Manchuria were prepared to proceed with the construction of a harbour at Hulutao, an inlet some 20 miles south of Chinchow, at a cost, according to a rough estimate made by Mr. Hughes, who had surveyed the harbour at the request of the Viceroy of Manchuria, of 4,000,000 taels.\n\nLord ffrench, Messrs. Paulings' agent in Peking, gave Mr. Max Müller to understand that it was unlikely that the American group would advance the necessary funds for the construction of this harbour unless the contract were given to Messrs. Paulings, and he thought it curious policy to commence the construction of a harbour before the question of the railway was settled.\n\nHowever, it would appear that the Manchurian authorities, impatient at the delay in arranging the railway and loan questions in Peking, have taken the matter of the harbour into their own hands, and have actually, as you will see from the copy of a private letter which I have the honour to enclose, made a start by building a line of railway to connect the new port with Lienshan, a station 7 miles distant on the Peking-Mukden Railway.\n\nI am informed by Mr. H. P. King, the Peking agent of Messrs. John Brown and Company, that Mr. Hughes has been appointed superintendent engineer of the new harbour works, and that tenders for the supply of material will shortly be given out.\n\nA glance at the map of North China will show the importance of Hulutao, an ice-free port at the head of the Gulf of Liaotung, more than 200 miles north of Dalny and Port Arthur, connected by railway with all the principal points in Manchuria, as a distributing centre for the trade of the three eastern provinces; and one may not unreasonably regard this new enterprise as an indication of the determination of the Chinese Government to develop the territory west of the Liao River as a set-off to Russian and Japanese influence in other parts of Manchuria.\n\nI have, &c.\n**J. N. JORDAN**\n\n### Enclosure in No. 1\n\nMessrs. Forbes und Co. to Messrs. Paulings and Co.\n\nChinwangtao, North China, December 9, 1910\n\nTHE writer has just returned from a visit to Hulutao, where work has begun in connection with the new harbour about which you may have heard. Hulutao is the name of a promontory in the Liaotung Gulf, and is about 10 miles by a very rough track from the railway station of Lienshan on the Peking-Mukden Railway. The cutting for a branch railway from Lienshan to Hulutao was begun about 6 weeks ago, and this branch, it is expected, will reduce the distance to the port to about 7 miles. Lienshan is 94 miles from Tangho, in the direction of Mukden.\n\nThe new port will have a depth of 30 feet throughout at low water, while at spring tides the depth will be 40 feet, so that vessels of the largest size trading with the East will be able to enter the harbour at all times. In area the harbour will be five times the size of Dalny Harbour, and will have wharf accommodation for over twenty steamers. A treble line of rails will run alongside the wharf.", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-382 - Public Offices - 1911.txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 434369, "series_id": 27, "series_slug": "histsyn-co129-engine", "series_title": "CO129 Colonial Office Hong Kong Records 理藩院香港檔案", "series_use_hku_proxy": false, "document_key": "CO129-382 - Public Offices - 1911", "page_number": 370, "title": "CO129-382 - Public Offices - 1911", "content_text": "# 368 \n\n## 2 \n\nSuch a harbour between Newchwang and Chinwangtao is bound to have far-reaching effects on the trade of North China, and we have no doubt you will be interested in it.\n\nThere is just one drawback to the harbour, and that is the limited area of flat land, the harbour being shut in by hills on the east and north, and partially so on the west. A good deal of reclaiming of land from the sea is to be done, but flat land will be scarce, and we beg to suggest that if you think of doing business at the new port it would be desirable to lose as little time as possible in making choice of a site. Our firm, we expect, will be establishing a branch at the new port, and would be happy to undertake your agency and to advise on the choice of a site, for which we think we are favourably placed, as the chief engineer, whose plans for the harbour have been sanctioned, is a personal friend of the writer.\n\nAll land within 4 miles of the new harbour has been acquired by the Provincial Government, and their present idea is to grant leases, not to sell outright. A comprehensive proposal to the Viceroy would doubtless receive favourable consideration, for the Chinese authorities are desirous of making a success of the harbour as a set-off to Dalny.\n\nTheir action in buying up all the land round about the harbour was induced by Japanese agents attempting to buy land from the native owners with the object of blocking the construction of the harbour, and to end these Japanese intrigues the Provincial Government stepped in and acquired all the land.\n\nWe beg to add that the writer was assured that the railway from Chinchow towards the Russian frontier was certain of being built in the near future; were it otherwise, a harbour on the scale proposed for Hulutao would not have been sanctioned. As far as Petune, about 600 miles from Chinchow, the trace for the railway is practically settled. This railway will open up a great extent of rich land which is being rapidly settled by immigrants.\n\n&c.\n\nWe are,\n**WILLIAM FORBES AND Co.**\n1911\n\n| Date | Last previous Paper | Foreign | ... | Next subsequent Paper | ... |\n| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |\n| ... | HONG KONG EASTERN 5713 | ... | ... | 0.923 | ... |\n| 21 EB 1 | ... | ... | Prints to States, Euf 280eb, & (3.413). Wt.28.032-58 | ... | 40,000 11, 10. AE.W |\n| ... | ... | ... | Jan 26 £3 Jan $2 27 o'Carmarting | ... | ... |\n| Jan 31 81 | ... | showed | 318 showed be tothed at also it contamine Sin E. Grey's note to Baron Geriche to the forthcoming conference. | ... | ... | \n| ... | ... | ... | ... | ... | 12. Stutts Calen | \n| ... | ... | ... | ... | ... | 25 AFC 23 23 |", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-382 - Public Offices - 1911.txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 434564, "series_id": 27, "series_slug": "histsyn-co129-engine", "series_title": "CO129 Colonial Office Hong Kong Records 理藩院香港檔案", "series_use_hku_proxy": false, "document_key": "CO129-382 - Public Offices - 1911", "page_number": 565, "title": "CO129-382 - Public Offices - 1911", "content_text": "**CONFIDENTIAL**\n\n# CHINA RAILWAYS\n\n## SECTION 1\n\nNo. 1.\n\nSir Edward Grey to Sir G. Buchanan.\n\nForeign Office, March 8, 1911.\n\nSir,\n\nThis letter will be presented to your Excellency by Lord ffrench, the agent of Messrs. Pauling in China, who, as you are aware from my despatch No. 21 of the 19th January last, intended to visit the United States in connection with the Chinchow-Aigun Railway scheme and then to proceed to St. Petersburgh.\n\nLord ffrench has now returned from Washington, where I understand he was well received by Mr. Taft and Mr. Knox, who approved of his proposal to endeavour to ascertain the views of the Russian Government in regard to the project or to some other alternative line.\n\nI shall be glad if your Excellency will place Lord ffrench into communication with the competent Russian Ministries, viz., Foreign Affairs, Commerce, and Finance, and suggest that the authorities concerned should be invited to give him a benevolent hearing.\n\n&c.\n\nI am,\n**E. GREY**\n\nPage 3\n[8721]\n(March 8)\nRECE Pro 3 APR T\n563\n[1920 h-1]\n10672", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-382 - Public Offices - 1911.txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 434865, "series_id": 27, "series_slug": "histsyn-co129-engine", "series_title": "CO129 Colonial Office Hong Kong Records 理藩院香港檔案", "series_use_hku_proxy": false, "document_key": "CO129-383 - Public Offices - 1911", "page_number": 279, "title": "CO129-383 - Public Offices - 1911", "content_text": "# CHINA RAILWAYS\n## CONFIDENTIAL\n### [13147]\n\nNo.\n\n[April 10]\n\n## SECTION 1\n\n### Sir G. Buchanan to Sir Edward Grey.-(Received April 10.)\n\n**(No. 89. Secret.)**\n\nSir,\n\nSt. Petersburgh, April 5, 1911.\n\nI HAVE the honour to transmit herewith a memorandum which has been drawn up by Mr. Kidston, second secretary to this embassy, on the subject of the visit to St. Petersburgh of Lord ffrench, representative in China of Messrs. Pauling and Co., and of his conversations with high Russian officials with regard to railway construction in Manchuria.\n\nI have, &c.\n\nGEORGE W. BUCHANAN.\n\n### Enclosure in No. 1.\n\n#### Memorandum by Mr. Kidston.\n\nLORD FFRENCH, the representative in China of Messrs. Pauling and Co., has been in St. Petersburgh for some time, and has had conversations with various high officials on the subject of his firm's schemes for railway construction in Manchuria.\n\nOn the 26th March he was received by M. Kokovtsoff, the Minister of Finance, who said that the Russian Government had no desire to obstruct railway construction in Manchuria, but that certain routes must be excluded. M. Kokovtsoff, in the course of further conversation, gave Lord ffrench clearly to understand that Russia's opposition to the Chinchow-Aigun scheme had not been due to apprehensions for her own frontier in the neighbourhood of Blagovestchensk, as had been generally supposed, but to fear of the strategic advantage which a port on the Gulf of Pechili at Chinchow might offer to Japan in case of hostilities. Japan might seize Chinchow, throw troops up the line to Tsitsihar, cut the Chinese Eastern Railway there, and so isolate Harbin and Vladivostock. M. Kokovtsoff even went so far as to ask what was the good of building lines at all in Southern Manchuria, when all that country was inevitably destined to fall to the Japanese.\n\nThe question of a line southwards from Hailar was then broached, but M. Kokovtsoff objected that this was coming too near the Russian frontier.\n\n(Lord ffrench has since informed me that he has absolutely reliable information from Chinese sources to the effect that many years ago Russia acquired from the Chinese Government the option for the construction of a line from Hailar to Peking. It may be remembered that before the Russo-Japanese war there were rumours that construction on this line was actually begun, and a book published under the name of \"Wirt Gerrare\" contained circumstantial accounts of the work, and photographs of construction trains running on the line. In 1903 I travelled along the route, and found that these stories were pure fiction.)\n\nM. Kokovtsoff then suggested that Pauling's might be satisfied with a line from Harbin to Tao-nan-fu. Lord ffrench objected that it would be folly for China to build a line with an outlet to the Manchurian Railway and no connection with her own system, an argument which led naturally to the suggestion that such a line might be extended to Peking by way of Jehol.\n\nLord ffrench said that all his firm wanted was railways to construct, and M. Kokovtsoff gave him to understand that his Government would have no objection to the scheme indicated.\n\nLord ffrench then referred to the Russian opposition to the project for a railway from Tsitsihar to Aigun, and M. Kokovtsoff said that the Russian Government would have no objection to the construction of a line from Tsitsihar as far as Mergen, but that it must not go further northwards towards the Russian frontier.\n\nThe upshot of the conversation, therefore, was that Lord ffrench was given to suppose that the Russian Government would have no objection to lines being constructed.\n\nPage 275", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-383 - Public Offices - 1911.txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 434866, "series_id": 27, "series_slug": "histsyn-co129-engine", "series_title": "CO129 Colonial Office Hong Kong Records 理藩院香港檔案", "series_use_hku_proxy": false, "document_key": "CO129-383 - Public Offices - 1911", "page_number": 280, "title": "CO129-383 - Public Offices - 1911", "content_text": "## Sir J. Jordan to Sir Edward Grey.-(Received April 10.)\n\n**(No. 126.)**\nPeking, March 22, 1911.\n\nWITH reference to my telegram No. 70 of the 7th instant, relative to the dispute which has arisen between the Portuguese and Chinese authorities on the subject of a sea-wall at Macao, I have the honour to report that His Majesty's consul-general at Canton informs me in a further telegram, dated the 16th March, that no agreement had so far resulted from the meeting. The Viceroy at Canton had asked not only that the dyke should be allowed to stand, but that the adjacent riparian owners to the south of it, on the Portuguese side of the provisional line of 1890, should be allowed to extend the construction. It appears that the Governor of Macao is prepared to agree to the first part of this request, but that he will under no circumstances assent to the second. The position is aggravated by the local self-government societies, who are endeavouring to inflame public opinion, and it is seemingly further complicated by a divergence of views between the Governor of Macao and the Portuguese chargé d'affaires.\n\nNo progress is likely to be made in the matter until instructions arrive from Lisbon.\n\nI have, &c.\nJ. N. JORDAN.\n\n[1974 k-3]\n\n276\n\n## \n\nstructed from (1) Peking to Harbin (via Jehol and Tao-nan-fu), and (2) from Tsitsihar to Mergen.\n\nHe was promised an opportunity of discussing the matter with M. Stolypin, and was told that the project would be laid before the Council of Ministers.\n\nRussia has recently sent a commission to these regions to investigate, and it is perhaps not too much to suppose that M. Kokovtsoff's inclination to favour the present scheme is based on its report.\n\nThe following considerations may throw some light on Russia's attitude, and I have drawn up the accompanying rough map in order to illustrate them.\n\n1. By the Secret Russo-Japanese Agreement of 1907 (confirmed in 1910) spheres of influence were established in Manchuria, but the line of demarcation of these spheres stopped short to the westward at the parallel of 122° east of Greenwich. From the maps available here it is impossible to locate Tao-nan-fu exactly, but it appears to lie very near that parallel and the projected railway could probably be so arranged as not to encroach anywhere on the Japanese sphere.\n\n2. By the same secret agreement Russia is given a free hand in Outer Mongolia. Moreover, according to Lord ffrench, she holds an option for a line from Hailar to Peking, and on M. Kokovtsoff's own showing, she is afraid of Japan, and convinced that sooner or later the whole of Southern Manchuria will fall to the Japanese. In these circumstances, the advantage to Russia of a Chinese railway running up between her sphere of influence in Mongolia and the Japanese sphere of Southern Manchuria is obvious. The Chinese line would, the Chinese hope, act as a colonising factor, and, if this hope is realised, a wedge of thickly-populated Chinese territory would be driven in between Russia and Japan.\n\n3. The difficulty of supplying Vladivostock with meat has long been a much-discussed problem. At the time of the Russo-Japanese war, meat went up to famine prices, and all the deer on the outlying islands were killed off to supply the town. The lines from Mergen to Tsitsihar and from Tao-nan-fu to Harbin would both tap rich cattle districts, and their construction would greatly assist in the solution of the problem.\n\n4. The strategic value of the line to Russia would be considerable. It would give her direct and rapid communication with Peking, without touching anywhere on Japanese lines or spheres of influence, and it would not be open to Japanese attack from the sea.\n\nOther points to consider are the probable attitudes of the Japanese and Chinese.\n\n1. The Japanese will probably object strongly, but if the line is kept carefully to the west of the 122nd degree of longitude and is supported by the Russians, it is hard to see how, in view of the terms of their secret agreement with Russia, they can veto the construction of the line.\n\n2. The one aim and object of the Chinese is to save some part of Manchuria before it is too late. They propose to do this by a system of colonisation. The Chinchow-Aigun scheme would probably have been more effective for this purpose, and the port on the Gulf of Pe-chi-li was doubtless an attraction, but that scheme has for the present been absolutely vetoed, and the suggested alternative line has its advantages. It would probably be a good deal more costly to build, and its strategic value to Russia might militate against it in the eyes of the Chinese, but on the other hand it would have its terminus in the capital, would be comparatively safe from the Japanese, would open up new country, and would be connected with a ready-made port at Tient-sin, the trade of which it would doubtless do much to foster.\n\nP.S. Since writing the above, I have again seen Lord ffrench, who tells me that on the 4th April he was received by M. Stolypine. M. Stolypine assured him that he personally was in favour of the scheme, but said that he could not give him a definite reply in the name of the Government until he had talked the matter over with the Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs and the Ministers of Finance and War.\n\n* In 1903 Mr. Claud Russell and the Hon. Michael Hicks-Beach travelled from Peking to Tsitsihar viâ Jehol, following in their first stages very much the line which the projected railway would take. I believe Mr. Russell furnished a short report of his journey to the Foreign Office and published an account of it in the \"Geographical Journal.\" The country, even to-day, is very little known, and these accounts might be of interest.\n\nThis Document is the Property of His Britannic Majesty's Government.\n\n## AFFAIRS OF CHINA\n\n15371\n[April 10.]\n**CONFIDENTIAL**\n[13247]\n\nRece Rrat || MAY ||\n\nNo. 1.\nSECTION 3.", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-383 - Public Offices - 1911.txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 434871, "series_id": 27, "series_slug": "histsyn-co129-engine", "series_title": "CO129 Colonial Office Hong Kong Records 理藩院香港檔案", "series_use_hku_proxy": false, "document_key": "CO129-383 - Public Offices - 1911", "page_number": 285, "title": "CO129-383 - Public Offices - 1911", "content_text": "**[This Document is the Property of His Britannic Majesty's Government.]**\n\n## AFFAIRS OF CHINA\n\n**CONFIDENTIAL**\n\n[14238]\n\n### No. 1\n\n#### [April 19]\n\n## SECTION 1. WAY IT\n\nSir A. Nicolson to Count Benckendorff.\n\nMy dear Benckendorff,\n\nForeign Office, April 19, 1911,\n\nSIR E. GREY is away and will not return here for a few days, and I therefore reply to your letter of the 17th enclosing a summary of a telegram from M. Nératof.\n\n\"I think that the information which reached your Ministry for Foreign Affairs is not quite correct. So far as our information goes, the facts are as follows:-\n\nA portion of the 10,000,000l. currency loan is to be devoted \"to the promotion and extension of industrial enterprises in Manchuria,\" but we are not aware what is the nature of the proposed enterprises, nor do we know what will be exactly the amount allocated to them. We have heard that it will be between 2,000,000l. and 3,000,000l. We have no reason to believe that any railway projects are on the tapis, and our attitude towards the Chinchow-Aigun Railway remains unchanged.\n\nI have, &c.\n\nA. NICOLSON.\n\n[1974 --1]\n\n281", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-383 - Public Offices - 1911.txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 435104, "series_id": 27, "series_slug": "histsyn-co129-engine", "series_title": "CO129 Colonial Office Hong Kong Records 理藩院香港檔案", "series_use_hku_proxy": false, "document_key": "CO129-383 - Public Offices - 1911", "page_number": 518, "title": "CO129-383 - Public Offices - 1911", "content_text": "512 \n\n**[This Document is the Property of His Britannic Majesty's Government]** \n\ninternal resources, for the perfection of communications between Europe and Asia and for the development of the commerce and industry of foreign countries in Manchuria. These rights and interests were long ago recognised by foreign nations on practically identical lines with German interests in Shantung province. While maintaining our acquired rights, we have acknowledged that the door must be open to foreign nations in South Manchuria as being Chinese territory, and instead of obstructing we have assisted them in obtaining equality of opportunity for their commerce and industry. We only regret that even to-day ill-informed supposition of other intentions on our part has not quite died out. If, however, any should regard the present Four-Power loan as a measure redressing any past disregard on Japan's part of the open door or equal opportunity policy, they would be greatly mistaken. Anyone calmly considering the facts must admit that our strict observance of that policy would not have been affected a jot by the non-existence of this loan any more than by the non-realisation of the railway neutralisation scheme or the non-construction of the Chinchow-Aigun Railway.\n\nWhile it is to be hoped that foreigners are under no misapprehension on this score, it goes without saying that the slightest infringement or invasion of our already acquired rights and interests in South Manchuria remains as inadmissible in the future as in the past. The correctness of our view is shown by the fact that the original American open-door proposal of 1899 was prefaced by an assurance that the vested interests of the Powers stood unaffected. As our rights and interests in South Manchuria can thus without incompatibility coexist with that principle, China and all foreign nations must also remember that in South Manchurian commerce and industry there is a line not to be overstepped, and must endeavour to avoid undertakings such as would in any way compromise our acquired rights. That is to say, it will be their duty before beginning operations to examine whether the enterprises to be initiated under the present loan, whether worked by Chinese singly or jointly by Chinese and foreigners, do in point of fact prejudice Japan's interests or not. If, as a consequence of failure to observe this obligation, they encounter natural obstacles, and undertakings once started are unavoidably brought to a standstill, they must be prepared to understand that the responsibility will rest with those operating such undertakings. International relations are extremely complicated. Principles apparently fair and unexceptionable may in practice work to a contrary result. The principle of the open door and equal opportunity may, it is to be apprehended, under certain circumstances wantonly obstruct Japanese and other enterprises in South Manchuria and involve closure of the door and inequality of opportunity. We hope, therefore, that all nations alike will take this consideration carefully to heart. The subject of our foregoing remarks has not originated to-day, but the failure of our Government to take proper measures during the progress of the loan negotiations has had the effect of forcing us, much to our regret, to a special announcement of our views regarding our rights and interests in South Manchuria.\n\n## CHINA RAILWAYS\n[February 20.]\n\n### **CONFIDENTIAL**\n### SECTION 1.\n\n10007 \nNo. 1. REC \nREG 16 JUN, \n[6180] \n\nSir J. Jordan to Sir Edward Grey (Received February 20.) \n(No. 54.) (Telegraphic.) P. \n\nPeking, February 20, 1911. \nIN the event of Burmah-Yünnan frontier negotiations being opened in Peking, should I mention the Bhamo-Tengyuch Railway if a suitable opportunity presents itself, and say that His Majesty's Government desire to see the project realised at an early date? \n\n`[1913 u-1]`", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-383 - Public Offices - 1911.txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 435105, "series_id": 27, "series_slug": "histsyn-co129-engine", "series_title": "CO129 Colonial Office Hong Kong Records 理藩院香港檔案", "series_use_hku_proxy": false, "document_key": "CO129-383 - Public Offices - 1911", "page_number": 519, "title": "CO129-383 - Public Offices - 1911", "content_text": "[This Document is the Property of His Britannic Majesty's Government.]\n\n## CHINA RAILWAYS\n\n**CONFIDENTIAL**\n\n[13147]\n\n[April 10.]\n\n### SECTION 1\n\n19607\n\n**AMENDED COPY**\n\n**REC No. 1. REG 16 JUN 11**\n\nSir G. Buchanan to Sir Edward Grey.-(Received April 10.)\n\n**(No. 89. Secret.)**\n\nSt. Petersburgh, April 5, 1911.\n\nI HAVE the honour to transmit herewith a memorandum which has been drawn up by Mr. Kidston, second secretary to this embassy, on the subject of the visit to St. Petersburgh of Lord ffrench, representative in China of Messrs. Pauling and Co., and of his conversations with high Russian officials with regard to railway construction in Manchuria.\n\nI have, &c.\n\nGEORGE W. BUCHANAN.\n\n### Enclosure in No. 1\n\n#### Memorandum by Mr. Kidston\n\nLORD FFRENCH, the representative in China of Messrs. Pauling and Co., has been in St. Petersburgh for some time, and has had conversations with various high officials on the subject of his firm's schemes for railway construction in Manchuria.\n\nOn the 26th March he was received by M. Kokovtsoff, the Minister of Finance, who said that the Russian Government had no desire to obstruct railway construction in Manchuria, but that certain routes must be excluded. M. Kokovtsoff, in the course of further conversation, gave Lord ffrench clearly to understand that Russia's opposition to the Chinchow-Aigun scheme had not been due to apprehensions for her own frontier in the neighbourhood of Blagovestebensk, as had been generally supposed, but to fear of the strategic advantage which a port on the Gulf of Pechili at Chinchow might offer to Japan in case of hostilities. Japan might seize Chinchow, throw troops up the line to Tsitsihar, cut the Chinese Eastern Railway there, and so isolate Harbin and Vladivostock. M. Kokovtsoff even went so far as to ask what was the good of building lines at all in Southern Manchuria, when all that country was inevitably destined to fall to the Japanese?\n\nThe question of a line southwards from Hailar was then broached, but M. Kokovtsoff objected that this was coming too near the Russian frontier.\n\n(Lord ffrench has since informed me that he has absolutely reliable information from Chinese sources to the effect that many years ago Russia acquired from the Chinese Government the option for the construction of a line from Hailar to Peking. It may be remembered that before the Russo-Japanese war there were rumours that construction on this line was actually begun, and a book published under the name of \"Wirt Gerrare\" contained circumstantial accounts of the work, and photographs of construction trains running on the line. In 1903 I travelled along the route, and found that these stories were pure fiction.)\n\nM. Kokovtsoff then suggested that Pauling's might be satisfied with a line from Harbin to Tao-nan-fu. Lord ffrench objected that it would be folly for China to build a line with an outlet to the Manchurian Railway and no connection with her own system, an argument which led naturally to the suggestion that such a line might be extended to Peking by way of Jehol.\n\nLord ffrench said that all his firm wanted was railways to construct, and M. Kokovtsoff gave him to understand that his Government would have no objection to the scheme indicated.\n\nLord ffrench then referred to the Russian opposition to the project for a railway from Tsitsibar to Aigun, and M. Kokovtsoff said that the Russian Government would have no objection to the construction of a line from Tsitsihar as far as Mergen, but that it must not go further northwards towards the Russian frontier.\n\nThe upshot of the conversation, therefore, was that Lord ffrench was given to suppose that the Russian Government would have no objection to lines being constructed.", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-383 - Public Offices - 1911.txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 435106, "series_id": 27, "series_slug": "histsyn-co129-engine", "series_title": "CO129 Colonial Office Hong Kong Records 理藩院香港檔案", "series_use_hku_proxy": false, "document_key": "CO129-383 - Public Offices - 1911", "page_number": 520, "title": "CO129-383 - Public Offices - 1911", "content_text": "## Baikal\n\nThe proposed railway is constructed from (1) Peking to Harbin (via Jehol and Tao-nan-fu), and (2) from Tsitsihar to Mergen.\n\nHe was promised an opportunity of discussing the matter with M. Stolypin, and was told that the project would be laid before the Council of Ministers.\n\nRussia has recently sent a commission to those regions to investigate, and it is perhaps not too much to suppose that M. Kokovtsoff's inclination to favour the present scheme is based on its report.\n\nThe following considerations may throw some light on Russia's attitude, and I have drawn up the accompanying rough map in order to illustrate them.\n\n1. By the Secret Russo-Japanese Agreement of 1907 (confirmed in 1910) spheres of influence were established in Manchuria, but the line of demarcation of these spheres stopped short to the westward at the parallel of 122 east of Greenwich. From the maps available here it is impossible to locate Tao-nan-fu exactly, but it appears to lie very near that parallel and the projected railway could probably be so arranged as not to encroach anywhere on the Japanese sphere.\n\n2. By the same secret agreement Russia is given a free hand in Outer Mongolia. Moreover, according to Lord French, she holds an option for a line from Hailar to Peking, and on M. Kokovtsoff's own showing, she is afraid of Japan, and convinced that sooner or later the whole of Southern Manchuria will fall to the Japanese. In these circumstances, the advantage to Russia of a Chinese railway running up between her sphere of influence in Mongolia and the Japanese sphere of Southern Manchuria is obvious. The Chinese line would, it is hoped, act as a colonising factor, and if this hope is realised, a wedge of thickly-populated Chinese territory would be driven in between Russia and Japan.\n\n3. The difficulty of supplying Vladivostock with meat has long been a much-discussed problem. At the time of the Russo-Japanese war, meat went up to famine prices, and all the deer on the outlying islands were killed off to supply the town. The lines from Mergen to Tsitsihar and from Tao-nan-fu to Harbin would both tap rich cattle districts, and their construction would greatly assist in the solution of the problem.\n\n4. The strategic value of the line to Russia would be considerable. It would give her direct and rapid communication with Peking, without touching anywhere on Japanese lines or spheres of influence, and it would not be open to Japanese attack from the sea.\n\nOther points to consider are the probable attitudes of the Japanese and Chinese.\n\n1. The Japanese will probably object strongly, but if the line is kept carefully to the west of the 122nd degree of longitude and is supported by the Russians, it is hard to see how, in view of the terms of their secret agreement with Russia, they can veto the construction of the line.\n\n2. The one aim and object of the Chinese is to save some part of Manchuria before it is too late. They propose to do this by a system of colonisation. The Chinchow-Aigun scheme would probably have been more effective for this purpose, and the port on the Gulf of Pe-chi-li was doubtless an attraction, but that scheme has for the present been absolutely vetoed, and the suggested alternative line has its advantages. It would probably be a good deal more costly to build, and its strategic value to Russia might militate against it in the eyes of the Chinese, but on the other hand it would have its terminus in the capital, would be comparatively safe from the Japanese, would open up new country, and would be connected with a ready-made port at Tient-sin, the trade of which it would doubtless do much to foster.\n\nP.S. Since writing the above, I have again seen Lord French, who tells me that on the 4th April he was received by M. Stolypine. M. Stolypine assured him that he personally was in favour of the scheme, but said that he could not give him a definite reply in the name of the Government until he had talked the matter over with the Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs and the Ministers of Finance and War.\n\n* In 1903 Mr. Claud Russell and the Hon. Michael Hicks-Beach travelled from Peking to Tsitsihar via Jakol, following in their first stages very much the line which the projected railway would take. I believe Mr. Russell furnished a short report of his journey to the Foreign Office and published an account of it in the Geographical Journal. The country, even to-day, is very little known, and these accounts might be of interest.\n\n## Map Key\n\n| Label | Description |\n| --- | --- |\n| Frontier of spheres of influence laid down by Russo-Japanese Secret Convention in 1907 and confirmed in 1910 | Boundary between Russian and Japanese spheres of influence |\n| Pailing's new project for lines from Peking to Harbin (via Jehol and Tao-nan-fu) and from Mergen to Tsitsihar | Proposed railway lines |\n| Parallel E. of Greenwich | 122nd meridian east of Greenwich |\n| Chinese Eastern Railway, etc. (Russian) | Russian railway lines |\n| South Manchurian Railway, etc. (Japanese) | Japanese railway lines |\n| Projected line from Hailar to Peking, for which Russia is said to hold the option | Proposed railway line under Russian option |\n| Chinchow-Aigun project vetoed by Russia, and accepted by Japan on condition that a connecting link be constructed with the S. Manchurian Railway | Chinchow-Aigun railway project |\n| North China Railway (Chinese) | Chinese railway lines |\n\n**SECRET**\n514", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-383 - Public Offices - 1911.txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 435108, "series_id": 27, "series_slug": "histsyn-co129-engine", "series_title": "CO129 Colonial Office Hong Kong Records 理藩院香港檔案", "series_use_hku_proxy": false, "document_key": "CO129-383 - Public Offices - 1911", "page_number": 522, "title": "CO129-383 - Public Offices - 1911", "content_text": "**CONFIDENTIAL**\n\n## CHINA RAILWAYS\n\n### SECTION 3\n\nNo. 1. \n**Sir A. Nicolson to Count Benckendorff**\n\nMy dear Benckendorff,\n\nForeign Office, April 19, 1911.\n\nSIR **E. GREY** is away and will not return here for a few days, and I therefore reply to your letter of the 17th enclosing a summary of a telegram from M. Nératof.\n\nI think that the information which reached your Ministry for Foreign Affairs is not quite correct. So far as our information goes, the facts are as follows:-\n\nA portion of the 10,000,000l. currency loan is to be devoted \"to the promotion and extension of industrial enterprises in Manchuria,\" but we are not aware what is the nature of the proposed enterprises, nor do we know what will be exactly the amount allocated to them. We have heard that it will be between 2,000,000l. and 3,000,000l. We have no reason to believe that any railway projects are on the tapis, and our attitude towards the Chinchow-Aigun Railway remains unchanged.\n\nI have, &c.\n\n**A. NICOLSON**", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-383 - Public Offices - 1911.txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 435317, "series_id": 27, "series_slug": "histsyn-co129-engine", "series_title": "CO129 Colonial Office Hong Kong Records 理藩院香港檔案", "series_use_hku_proxy": false, "document_key": "CO129-384 - Public Offices - 1911", "page_number": 97, "title": "CO129-384 - Public Offices - 1911", "content_text": "## \n\n4. The railway company's servants are not allowed to load any cargo which does not bear the customs chop, and, moreover, one of the outdoor officers of the customs is detailed to watch the loading of all cars.\n\n5. When a car is fully loaded it is sealed by two seals, one by the customs and one by the railway company (the customs seal being a leaden compression seal with wires passing through the hasps on the car doors).\n\nWith broken parcels of cargo, insufficient to fill a car, the car is left open, and a list is made by the customs of the cargo intended for Manchuria. A copy of the list is then sent on the train in charge of the guard. As to cargo for Manchuria received at stations between Dalny and the frontier station of Pulantien, it is understood that this is very small, but a very effective arrangement exists, whereby such cargo is only received by the railway company on the condition that the amount of the duty is deposited at the same time with the station master of the receiving station.\n\nAfter leaving Dalny, the customs examine and check cars both at Chinchow (a station within the leased territory, 20 miles from Dalny and 30 miles from the frontier) and at Pulantien, the frontier station. Any cargo found in the unsealed cars not bearing the customs chop and not tallying with the list in the possession of the train guard is noted, and if the duty is not guaranteed by the loading station, which is communicated with by telephone, such cargo is taken off the train at Pulantien. In addition to these methods, members of the customs staff constantly travel over the railway as far as Wafangtien (a station in Chinese territory, 15 miles from the frontier) watching for shipments from the intervening stations, and so far nothing has been discovered showing any malpractices.\n\nMy informant personally visited the wharves to watch the loading of cars and the working of the outdoor staff of the customs, and found the men going about their work in a very businesslike manner; altogether, he states, the Japanese staff in Dalny appear to be a very good type, and quite up to the average of the outdoor staff of the customs at other ports. The staff has been considerably augmented of late, and I am given to understand that they are much stricter all round than formerly; also that the railway company some time back issued special orders to their employés to give every assistance to the customs officers.\n\nWith regard to frontier smuggling, if it is at all serious, which is doubtful, both the fault and the remedy lie with the customs, as they have no men detailed for preventative duty other than on the railway line. It seems to be purely local, i.e., in the small Chinese towns and villages fairly adjacent to the borders of the leased territory; it also seems to be entirely in the hands of the Chinese, and takes place by road from Pitsuwo (a small junk port to the east of Dalny, but owing to the conformation of the coast fairly close to the frontier) and not through the frontier town and station of Pulantien. One thing that would certainly militate against smuggling across the frontier in any quantity and then reloading onto the railway for transit northwards is the absence of roads (in the popular meaning of the term), the country being both hilly and difficult, and the cost of cartage would probably be more expensive than the payment of duty and straightforward shipment from Dalny.\n\nAs far as can be seen, the one actual source of suspicion as to Japanese preference at Dalny, on which Mr. Cloud's Mukden report is based, are the trade returns issued by the Customs. The returns are both confusing and unreliable by reason of the manner in which they have been compiled. The British consuls at both Dalny and Mukden are working on these, but I am afraid they will be unable to give very much elucidation.\n\nThe Chinese-Japanese agreement in regard to the customs being established at Dalny provides that every steamer entering the port has to send a manifest of her cargo to the custom-house, and all importers of cargo, whether it is intended for leased territory or Manchuria, have to give the particulars of values, as is done, for instance, at this port. There is, however, no time limit in which this is to be done specified in the agreement, nor are there any means provided for enforcing the regulations, and it seems to my committee that the Foreign Office might take up this point, as very often a considerable period elapses before the customs can obtain particulars of the cargo imported, and in order to close off their returns for one period a number of steamers' cargoes are carried over to the next period. This has been done to such an absurd degree that the returns, as stated above, are unreliable and confusing. As an instance, fifty steamers' cargoes were carried over from 1909 and included in 1910. An explanation of this may, however, be forthcoming in the commissioner's report on the trade of Dalny for the year that has passed.\n\nIn conclusion, I would state that there is no doubt that it would be far more satisfactory to all concerned if the same terms as are now in operation at Kiachow were to be adopted at Dalny, and I can confidentially inform you that the Japanese authorities at Dalny and Tokyo have been induced to favourably regard the Kiachow agreement, and overtures to the Peking authorities for the adoption of a similar agreement are anticipated to be made shortly. It would therefore seem inadvisable to take up this question without some irrefutable evidence to work upon, but perhaps some friendly unofficial representation to both the Japanese and Chinese through the Peking Legation on the advisability of the adoption of the Kiachow agreement would do more good at the moment.\n\nYours faithfully,\n**L. E. CANNING, Secretary**", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-384 - Public Offices - 1911.txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 435339, "series_id": 27, "series_slug": "histsyn-co129-engine", "series_title": "CO129 Colonial Office Hong Kong Records 理藩院香港檔案", "series_use_hku_proxy": false, "document_key": "CO129-384 - Public Offices - 1911", "page_number": 119, "title": "CO129-384 - Public Offices - 1911", "content_text": "# CHINA RAILWAYS\n## CONFIDENTIAL\n\n23539 \nRis 18 JUL 1 \n[May 26.] \n### SECTION 2.\n[20703] \nNo. 1. \nPapers communicated by Mr. Addis, May 26, 1911.\n\n(1.) \nMr. Hillier to Mr. Addis. \n117 \n1 \n(Extract.) \nPeking, May 10, 1911. RUSSIAN-BELGIAN group. I enclose herewith notes of a recent conversation between Straight and M. de Hoyer, the Russian political agent of this group.\" It is an interesting tribute to the strong position which the four groups now occupy, and I think we should consider well the desirability of coming to an understanding with the Russians with regard to railway enterprise in Mongolia and other regions where Russia has political interests, and where her political support is as necessary to us for the carrying out of any project as our financial assistance is to her. Yesterday M. de Korostovetz had a conversation with Mr. Straight, in which he practically repeated the views of M. de Hoyer, laying particular stress upon the importance of co-operation in the Kalgan-Kiachta Railway. As regards the Chinchow-Aigun Railway, he asked Straight not to be in a hurry; it was possible that the question might be arranged later, but the present was not the moment to press, the occasion would present itself when relations with our groups had been formed over other business. Apparently the inference suggested was that any activity over this question now might precipitate action on the part of Japan and draw Russia into co-operation in an aggressive policy towards China which Russia finds no longer in her interests. It would appear, in fact, that the Russo-Japanese entente is not very strong; what Russia wants now is peaceful development on her borders, and with this object she is anxious to associate herself with the Powers friendly to China.\n\n(2.) \nFrom the French Group. \nPékin, le 9 mai, 1911. \nAinsi que vous le verrez par la note ci-jointe, M. de Hoyer, représentant à Pékin de la Banque russo-asiatique, a approché Mr. Straight, et le Ministre de Belgique, M. de Cartier, m'a entretenu moi-même du désir que semble avoir le groupe russo-belge d'entrer en arrangement avec nous pour les affaires de Chine.\n\nD'autre part, Mr. Straight a reçu de Londres la nouvelle que la City and Midland Bank, que nous croyions faire partie de la combinaison représentée par M. de Hoyer, n'était liée avec aucun groupe constitué pour faire des affaires en Chine, et j'ai su confidentiellement que M. Verstraete, administrateur de la Banque russo-asiatique, ayant demandé au Ministère français des Affaires Étrangères si les emprunts chinois émis par cette banque seraient admis à la cote, il ne lui avait guère été laissé d'espoir de ce côté. C'est à ce double incident, qui prive ainsi le nouveau groupe du marché de Paris et diminue tant sa force sur celui de Londres, que nous avons, mes collègues et moi, attribué les démarches dont nous vous rendons compte dans notre mémorandum.\n\nCe travail a été rédigé en commun par les représentants des quatre groupes à Pékin. Il représente exactement notre opinion sur les points en question; je ne saurais donc que m'y référer. Je tiens cependant à insister sur les conclusions qui le terminent: je crois que nous avons tout intérêt - bien que depuis l'emprunt pour réforme monétaire nous ayons ici une position de premier ordre - à rester en contact avec les Russes et leur offrir de travailler en commun sur certaines affaires nettement limitées.\n\nJ'ajouterai que, ce faisant, nous faciliterons beaucoup le rôle du Gouvernement français et de la Légation de France en Chine.\n\n[2024 cc-2] \n* Printed in [20183].", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-384 - Public Offices - 1911.txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 451395, "series_id": 27, "series_slug": "histsyn-co129-engine", "series_title": "CO129 Colonial Office Hong Kong Records 理藩院香港檔案", "series_use_hku_proxy": false, "document_key": "CO129-417 - Public Offices - 1914", "page_number": 322, "title": "CO129-417 - Public Offices - 1914", "content_text": "## Casters Duff)\n\n45038 REC 316\n\nParaphrase of another telegram\n\nREGD 16 NE 145 g. Jordan (Petring)\n\nForeign Office. November 13 5 b. N.\n\nGreatly (R) with reference to Your telegram No. 12 12 Treaty Consul you your opinion. You should inform Shanghow accordingly", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-417 - Public Offices - 1914.txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 458192, "series_id": 27, "series_slug": "histsyn-co129-engine", "series_title": "CO129 Colonial Office Hong Kong Records 理藩院香港檔案", "series_use_hku_proxy": false, "document_key": "CO129-428 - Public Offices - 1915", "page_number": 285, "title": "CO129-428 - Public Offices - 1915", "content_text": "[This Document is the Property of His Britannic Majesty's Government.]\n\nOPIUM.\n\n58579 October 30.] -\n\nCONFIDENTIAL.\n\nREC\n\nSECTION 1.\n\nREG 21 DEC 151\n\n[161253]\n\nNo. 1.\n\nSir J. Jordan to Sir Edward Grey.—(Received October 30.)\n\n(No. 259.) Sir,\n\n281\n\nPeking, October 6, 1915.\n\nWITH reference to my despatch No. 101 of the 3rd May last, I have the honour to forward, herewith, copy of a report by Mr. Eric Teichman, on a tour of investigation made by him in the province of Kansu in conjunction with a representative of the Chinese Government.\n\nThe result of Mr. Teichman's inspection having shown that the cultivation of the poppy in Kansu has been successfully repressed, I have informed the Chinese Government in a note of which copy is enclosed herewith, that the importation of Indian opium into that province will be prohibited from the 1st of November.\n\nI have, &c.\n\nJ. N. JORDAN.\n\nEnclosure 1 in No. 1.\n\nMr. Teichman to Sir J. Jordan.\n\nBritish Legation, Peking, September 30, 1915.\n\nI HAVE the honour to report that I have carried out a joint inspection of opium cultivation in Kansu in conjunction with Mr. Chang Wei, of the Wai-chiao Pu, and that the result of our investigation shows that the cultivation of the poppy in that province has been successfully suppressed. During a journey extending over the whole summer, in the course of which we travelled some 1,700 miles by road within the borders of the province and visited many unfrequented districts, we did not see a single field of growing poppy.\n\nThe greater part of the Province of Kansu suffers from insufficient rainfall, and the cultivation of the opium poppy on a large scale has always been confined to certain favoured regions where the rainfall is more abundant, or where the water supply is sufficient to permit of regular irrigation being practised. The chief of these regions are: the Yellow River and neighbouring valleys round Lanchow; the Yellow River valley round Ninghsia in the north; the valleys of the Sining River round Niempo, and of the P'ingfan River south of P'ingfan in the west; the T'au River valley near Titao; the Wei River valley from Kungch'ang to Ch'inchow; the districts of Pingliang and Chingchow on the Shensi border; the southern slopes of the Tsinling mountains in the south-east; and the irrigated areas between the Nanshan mountains and the Alashan desert in the west of the province, notably the Liangchow plain.\n\nI visited all these districts during the season with the exception of the Ninghsia plain through which we passed on our return journey in the early autumn, and am of the opinion that very little opium was harvested in any of them this summer. The best opium in Kansu was formerly produced in the Liangchow plain and other irrigated regions in the north-west of the province, whence it was exported almost exclusively to Mukden, Tien-tsin, and Taiyuanfu by the desert route. Poppy was planted in the Liangchow neighbourhood this spring, but the crop was, I believe, in every case destroyed by the officials while it was yet young. We made a careful inspection of this plain, which consists of a string of oases of great fertility running north into the desert beyond Chenfan, and saw no signs of opium cultivation. Poppy was also planted on a small scale and subsequently uprooted by the officials in the districts of Ningyuan and Fuchiang (Wei Valley), Chingchow (Shensi border), and Ninghsia (in the north). In a remote valley in the mountains south of Fuchiang, where I had information of secret cultivation, there was evidence of poppy having been uprooted a few hours before our arrival. This crop, a very small one, would have been harvested had the inspecting party not visited that particular valley, and it is probable that a certain amount of poppy has been grown in similar secluded...\n\n[2511 gg-1]\n\n10.", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-428 - Public Offices - 1915.txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 458890, "series_id": 27, "series_slug": "histsyn-co129-engine", "series_title": "CO129 Colonial Office Hong Kong Records 理藩院香港檔案", "series_use_hku_proxy": false, "document_key": "CO129-429 - Public Offices & Others - 1915", "page_number": 451, "title": "CO129-429 - Public Offices & Others - 1915", "content_text": "a te das\n\n419\n\n7\n\nMA\n\nnation.\n\nThe chiefs of the military party are, as a whole, staunch supporters without whose aid the scheme must fail. The Provincial Generals have nearly all been lately received in Audience by the President, and, although what transpired at the Audiences has not been published, the reports in circulation both in Peking and Tientsin are that the establishment of a Monarchy was discussed.\n\nIt is not anticipated that there will be any trouble in North China but such a political upheaval could hardly make for peace and quiet in those parts of the Republic removed from Peking influence.\n\nAn article in the \"Peking and Tientsin Times\" states that during the last meeting at the Administrative Headquarters Minister Liang Tung-Yen, of the Ministry of Communications, proposed the extension of the present railways so as to form four main trunk lines.\n\nThe Peking-Mukden line is to extend to Tsitsihar, via Chinchow and Taonan and form the East trunk line. The Peking-Hankow line extended to Canton will form the Southern trunk line, the line running from Cheng-tai Westward to Tung-pu and Ili, via Shensi and Kansu is to be the West trunk line, while the Peking-Kalgan line extended to Kiakhta will form the Northern trunk line.\n\nThe \"North China Herald\" of August 28th publishes an article dated at Peking the 21st August to the effect that the Japanese Legation has agreed to remove the light railway as constructed during the campaign against Tsingtau and also to dismantle the wireless at Lungkow. Japan has also promised to withdraw the troops stationed at various points between Lungkow and Kiaomi.\n\n3.", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-429 - Public Offices & Others - 1915.txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 468328, "series_id": 27, "series_slug": "histsyn-co129-engine", "series_title": "CO129 Colonial Office Hong Kong Records 理藩院香港檔案", "series_use_hku_proxy": false, "document_key": "CO129-443 - Governor Sir May - 1917 [7-9]", "page_number": 91, "title": "CO129-443 - Governor Sir May - 1917 [7-9]", "content_text": "HAIPHONG, PAKHOI, HOI HOW TO HONG KONG. HONGKONG TO HAIPHONG VIA HOT HOW AND PAKHOI.\n\nBritish.\n\nD.W. Capacity.\n\n\"Kaifong\" 2,072 tons\n\n\"Taksang\"\n\n\"Lo keang\"\n\n\"Chingchow\"\n\n1,800\n\n1,800\n\n2,550\n\n(Carries Cement Stone upwards regular supplies of which are essential for the Green Island Cement Co., Ltd.)\n\n\"Rotorua\" 850.\n\nTRADE Imports. Rice, Pigs, Cattle, Sugar, Indigo.\n\nExports. Refined Sugar, Kerosene Oil (Passengers). HONGAY ANTHRACITE COAL is brought to the Colony by chartered steamers.\n\nSHANGHAI TO HONGKONG AND CANTON.\n\nHONGKONG TO SHANGHAI.\n\nBritish\n\nD.W. Capacity.\n\n\"Anhui\" 2,590 Tons\n\n\"Chenon\"\n\n\"Shantung\"\n\n\"Sinkiong\"\n\n\"Sunning\"\n\n\"Yingchow\"\n\n\"Wingsang\"\n\n\"Tosung\"\n\n\"Isang\"\n\n590\n\n970\n\n970\n\n970\n\n2,570\n\n2,200\n\n1,800\n\n2,000\n\nTRADE\n\nImports. Sheep, Cattle, General, Foodstuffs.\n\nExports. Sugar, Cement, Chinese Produce (Re-exports in main) (The above steamers are most important as feeders and distributors for the important British Yangtze service extending as far as Chungking.)\n\nPHILIPPINES AND HONGKONG.\n\nBritish\n\nD.W. Capacity.\n\n\"Taming\"\n\n\"Loongsang\"\n\n\"Yuensang\"\n\n\"Taisang\"\n\n2,590 tons\n\n1,800\n\n1,800\n\n2,200\n\nTRADE. Imports. Sugar, Hemp, Tobacco, Timber and transhipment cargo to ocean liners - Passengers.\n\nExports. Cement, Refined Sugar, Rice, Fresh Vegetables, Eggs, Cattle and transhipment cargo ex ocean liners, Passengers.", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-443 - Governor Sir May - 1917 [7-9].txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 477476, "series_id": 27, "series_slug": "histsyn-co129-engine", "series_title": "CO129 Colonial Office Hong Kong Records 理藩院香港檔案", "series_use_hku_proxy": false, "document_key": "CO129-450 - Acting Governor Claud Severn - 1918 [10-12]", "page_number": 161, "title": "CO129-450 - Acting Governor Claud Severn - 1918 [10-12]", "content_text": "## List of Vessels under control\n\n| S. S. |\n|---------|\n| \"Haitan\" |\n| \"Haihong\" |\n| \"Manapouri\" |\n| \"Castlefield\"|\n| \"Phoumpenh\" |\n| \"Chingchow\" |\n| \"Rotorua\" |\n| \"Upolu\" |\n| \"Telemachus\"|\n| \"Patriot\" |\n| \"Wollowra\" |\n| \"Lien ching\"|\n| \"Haimm\" |\n| \"Brisbane\" |\n| \"Amherst\" |\n| \"Cornelia\" |\n| \"Hok Canton\"|\n\nPage 167 \n`C 62547` \n`REG 27 018`", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-450 - Acting Governor Claud Severn - 1918 [10-12].txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 490021, "series_id": 27, "series_slug": "histsyn-co129-engine", "series_title": "CO129 Colonial Office Hong Kong Records 理藩院香港檔案", "series_use_hku_proxy": false, "document_key": "CO129-471 - Public Offices - 1921", "page_number": 512, "title": "CO129-471 - Public Offices - 1921", "content_text": "# Enclosure 1 in No. 21\n\n## Mr. Teichman to Sir J. Jordan\n\n**British Legation, Peking, September 30, 1915**\n\nI HAVE the honour to report that I have carried out a joint inspection of opium cultivation in Kansu in conjunction with Mr. Chang Wei, of the Wai-chiao Pu, and that the result of our investigation shows that the cultivation of the poppy in that province has been successfully suppressed. During a journey extending over the whole summer, in the course of which we travelled some 1,700 miles by road within the borders of the province and visited many unfrequented districts, we did not see a single field of growing poppy.\n\nThe greater part of the province of Kansu suffers from insufficient rainfall, and the cultivation of the opium poppy on a large scale has always been confined to certain favoured regions where the rainfall is more abundant, or where the water supply is sufficient to permit of regular irrigation being practised. The chief of these regions are: the Yellow River and neighbouring valleys round Lanchow; the Yellow River valley round Ninghsia in the north; the valleys of the Sining River round Nienpo, and of the P'ingfan River south of Pingfan in the west; the T'ao River valley near Titao; the Wei River valley from Kungeh'ang to Ch'inchow; the districts of P'ingliang and Chingchow on the Shensi border; the southern slopes of the Tsinling mountains in the south-east; and the irrigated areas between the Nanshan mountains and the Alashan desert in the west of the province, notably the Liangchow plain.\n\nI visited all these districts during the season with the exception of the Ninghsia plain through which we passed on our return journey in the early autumn, and am of the opinion that very little opium was harvested in any of them this summer. The best opium in Kansu was formerly produced in the Liangchow plain and other irrigated regions in the north-west of the province, whence it was exported almost exclusively to Mukden, Tientsin, and Taiyuanfu by the desert route. Poppy was planted in the Liangchow neighbourhood this spring, but the crop was, I believe, in every case destroyed by the officials while it was yet young. We made a careful inspection of this plain, which consists of a string of oases of great fertility running north into the desert beyond Chenfan, and saw no signs of opium cultivation. Poppy was also planted on a small scale and subsequently uprooted by the officials in the districts of Ningyuan and Fuchiang (Wei Valley), Chingchow (Shensi border), and Ninghsia (in the north). In a remote valley in the mountains south of Fuchiang, where I had information of secret cultivation, there was evidence of poppy having been uprooted a few hours before our arrival. This crop, a very small one, would have been harvested had the inspecting party not visited that particular valley, and it is probable that a certain amount of poppy has been grown in similar secluded localities to which neither our party nor the numerous Chinese inspectors found their way. The mountainous character of almost the whole of Kansu province, and the badness of the tracks which serve as roads, render all travel off the few main trade routes extraordinarily difficult and arduous. But the amount of opium produced secretly in this manner would be quite insignificant.\n\nWhen travelling in the south of the province, I heard rumours of the poppy being cultivated in the mountainous country west of Minchow and T'aochow inhabited by semi-independent Tibetan tribes. These reports applied more particularly to a lawless tribe living south of the Minshan mountains on the Szechuan border, whither it was impossible for me to penetrate without abandoning the inspection of more important poppy-growing centres in the west. It was, however, evident from our journey from T'aochow to Labrang and Hochow, when we travelled by an unfrequented route through country inhabited solely by Tibetans, that the latter had not taken to growing the poppy. In spite of the elevation of most of this part of Kansu, we passed through many deep sheltered valleys, warm and fertile enough to grow good crops of corn, without finding a trace of poppy cultivation.\n\nAn enormous crop of opium, worth many millions of taels, was harvested in Kansu in the summer of 1913. It was heavily taxed, so that both the cultivators and the provincial revenues benefited. The people were at the same time given to understand that they would not be permitted to grow the poppy another season. This prohibition, though hindered by the unsettled state of affairs brought about by the presence of the White Wolf rebels in the south of the province, was largely carried into effect in 1914, and practically complete suppression was arrived at this year.\n\nAny infraction of the prohibition of cultivation is now punishable by death. Successful suppression within so short a period as two years is due to the energetic and determined attitude of the present Governor, General Chang Kuang-chien, towards the opium question. He appears to have been on the whole well served by his district magistrates, with whom rests the responsibility of seeing that the prohibition is really carried out. Unfortunately, the suppression of poppy growing has not been unaccompanied by abuses and extortion on the part of small officials and Yamen underlings in outlying districts. The people complained in many districts of soldiers and Yamen runners searching the fields for solitary heads of poppy growing as weeds amongst the other crops, and in some cases even of planting poppies secretly on the land of innocent farmers for the purposes of extortion.\n\nAn acre of irrigated land in Kansu will produce a crop of opium worth ten times as much as a crop of wheat grown on the same plot; while owing to its high value and small bulk, opium is a particularly suitable commodity to handle for purposes of trade and export in a province without proper means of communication, either within its own borders or with the rest of China.\n\nThe poppy is being replaced by cereals, hemp, and tobacco; but enough cereals are already grown for local consumption, while their bulk renders them unsuitable for purposes of trade; and the cultivation and manufacture of the latter are confined to certain localities. Opium suppression entails, therefore, particular hardships for the purely agricultural population of Kansu, and in view of this, and of the large number of confirmed smokers in the province, the greatest vigilance will be necessary to prevent recrudescence of cultivation during the next few years, more especially while the lax conditions at present prevailing in the adjoining province of Shensi are permitted to continue. The people have doubtless kept stocks of seed which, in that dry climate, will remain fertile for years.\n\nConsumption of native opium in Kansu continues without any restrictions, and the number of confirmed smokers in the province is very large. I was informed by the provincial authorities at Lanchow that the matter would soon be taken in hand, and that they were at present engaged in enquiring into the number of smokers in each district with the idea of introducing some scheme of progressive reduction in the consumption of each individual smoker leading to complete cessation in a specified period according to age. Nothing, however, is likely to be done in the matter, as the people of Kansu, submissive and patient by nature, have been so bullied by the officials during the past two years over opium suppression and the collection of innumerable new and vexatious taxes, that the latter do not consider it safe to make a serious attempt to prohibit opium smoking. Further, local consumption is not likely to be effectively suppressed until the large stocks of native-grown opium at present in the province are exhausted. In the meantime, the high price of the drug—2,600 cash (about 2 dollars Mexican) per Chinese ounce in Lanchow—tends to discourage consumption except amongst the confirmed smokers.\n\nWhile the provincial authorities in Lanchow admit that no attempt is at present being made to interfere with consumption, the attitude of the local officials in some of the outlying districts is very vague on the subject. Thus, while at Chinchow, the seat of a Taoyin (Superintendent of Circuit), the streets reeked of burning opium after nightfall and smokers could be seen through half-closed doors enjoying their pipes, in the district of Li Hsien, forming part of the Ch'inchow Circuit, proclamations were posted announcing that anyone sowing, selling, or smoking opium would be shot. Such notices were, of course, meaningless and posted for our benefit. No definite scheme exists for regulating the trade in native opium, which is still permitted to continue, in some places under taxation by licence, in others without any restrictions, according to the ideas of the local officials on the subject. Its transport through the province is taxed by means of special opium li-kin offices, which reap a rich but declining harvest. The result of such legalised trade in native opium is that large quantities of the Kansu-grown drug are smuggled into the other provinces of China. This secret export follows three main routes: through Mongolia to North China and Manchuria; via Sianfu and Tungkuan into Honan (in which province, owing to strict suppressive measures, the profits on smuggled opium are enormous); and via the Han Valley to Hankow.\n\nOur arrival in Kansu gave rise to much talk about suppressing all traffic in native opium, and I was informed by the provincial authorities that they were about to bring the trade to an end. But in the meantime, it furnishes a means of getting rid of the stocks in the province. These stocks are very large, and if left to be consumed locally would last for decades.\n\nOur itinerary was as follows: from Miench'ih (the railhead in Honan) to Sian, ... \n\n42 \n43 \n511", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-471 - Public Offices - 1921.txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 490022, "series_id": 27, "series_slug": "histsyn-co129-engine", "series_title": "CO129 Colonial Office Hong Kong Records 理藩院香港檔案", "series_use_hku_proxy": false, "document_key": "CO129-471 - Public Offices - 1921", "page_number": 513, "title": "CO129-471 - Public Offices - 1921", "content_text": "## No. 22.\n\nSir J. Jordan to Viscount Grey. (Received October 16.)\n\nPeking, September 13, 1916.\n\nTHE \"Yunnan opium case\" is a scandal that has caused considerable excitement in Chinese circles. A party of official delegates from the Yunnan provincial government to a political conference at Peking, including the Minister of Justice in the new Cabinet, arrived in Shanghai on the 5th ultimo with a large quantity of baggage, which was passed without examination by the customs in accordance with official applications for special privileges made in Yunnan by the Minister of Justice himself, and in Shanghai by the highest Chinese authority, the Taoyin. It was then discovered that sixty trunks of the party's baggage contained Yunnan opium. Twenty-four of these trunks were found and confiscated, the value of their contents being variously estimated at 375,000 dollars to 1,000,000 dollars. Thirty-six trunks are still missing. Six of the delegates were arrested and tried at the Mixed Court, of whom three were sentenced to various terms of imprisonment, one was fined, and two were acquitted. The Minister of Justice was declared by the prosecution to be innocent, and his appointment to the Ministry has since been confirmed by Parliament; but a large body of public opinion considers that his innocence has not been satisfactorily established. The Taoyin of Shanghai was, of course, not charged, but his complicity was fully demonstrated in court, and he has since resigned office on the plea of ill-health. The whole incident has revived interest in the anti-opium movement and in the question of the sincerity of the new Government in connection therewith, and the effect can hardly fail to be to strengthen the hands of the reformers.\n\n## No. 23.\n\nSir,\nEnclosure 2 in No. 21.\n\nSir J. Jordan to Chinese Minister for Foreign Affairs.\n\nOctober 6, 1915.\n\n**WITH** reference to your Excellency's note of the 30th August, and my reply of the 1st September, I have the honour to inform you that I have now received a report from Mr. Eric Teichman on the tour of investigation for opium poppy cultivation recently made in Kansu province under the terms of the 1911 Opium Agreement.\n\nMr. Teichman reports that no cultivation was found by the investigation party, and I, therefore, have the honour to inform your Excellency that I propose to prohibit the importation of Indian opium into Kansu from the 1st November.\n\nI avail myself of this opportunity to renew to your Excellency the assurance of my highest consideration.\n\nI have, &c.\n\nJ. N. JORDAN.\n\n## No. 24.\n\nMy Lord,\n\nSir J. Jordan to Viscount Grey. (Received October 16.)\n\nPeking, September 13, 1916.\n\n45 \n44 \n\nthe capital of Shensi, 205 miles; from Sian viâ P'ingliang to Lanchow, the capital of Kansu, 470 miles; from Lanchow via Titao and down the Wei River valley to Ch'inchow, 240 miles; from Chinchow viâ Li Hsien and Minchow to Taochow in the Tibetan border country, 225 miles; from T'aochow via Labrang and Hochow to Lanchow, 220 miles; from Lanchow via P'ingfan to Liangchow and Chenfan on the edge of the Alashan desert in north-western Kansu, 250 miles; from Chenfan to Yungchang and thence through the Nanshan mountains and along the Kokonor border to Yungan, Tatung and Sining, 328 miles; from Sining to Lanchow, 148 miles. From Lanchow we travelled by raft and boat on the Yellow River to Ninghsia and Paot'ou; and from Paot'ou by road again to Kueihuach'eng and Fengchen (the railhead of the Peking-Kalgan Extension line in northern Shansi). The journey was made on horseback with a small caravan of pack mules. We entered Kansu from Shensi on the 23rd May, and left the province again for Mongolia on the 11th September.\n\nA sketch map showing the route followed is attached.*\n\nI have, &c.\n\nERIC TEICHMAN,\n\nAt an interview with the Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs this afternoon, I recapitulated the course of events in connection with opium suppression, and asked what was the present attitude of the Chinese Government. Dr. Chen said that the matter had been recently discussed by the Cabinet, and that it had been decided to adopt a policy of vigorous suppression. As regards the closing of the provinces, he promised to examine the questions and communicate with me on the subject later.\n\nI confidently anticipate that application will be made in due course for the joint inspection of Kiangsu and Kiangsi next spring, and for the closing without examination of the few remaining unclosed provinces, into which Indian opium does not as a rule find its way. If this application is complied with, and if as a result of inspection the two provinces named are placed upon the list, the Shanghai trade will come to an end, and the only important province still open to Indian opium will be Kwangtung. Conditions are too unsettled in that province at present to enable any forecast to be made as to the date at which it will eventually be closed.\n\nI have, &c.\n\nJ. N. JORDAN.\n\nMr. Alston to Mr. Balfour.—(Received January 22.)\n\nPeking, January 22, 1917.\n\n(Telegraphic.)\n\nOPIUM. Sir J. Jordan's despatch of 13th September, 1916, last paragraph.\n\nI have received note from Chinese Government intimating intention to apply for joint inspection of Kiangsu, Kiangsi, Kuangtung, Shensi, Yunnan and Kueichow.\n\nSeason for poppy flowering in Kuangtung begins next month.\n\nI request instructions as soon as possible.\n\n## \n\nSir,\n\nMr. Alston to Mr. Balfour.—(Received January 24, 1917.)\n\nPeking, December 18, 1916.\n\nI HAVE the honour to report the following case as exemplifying the attitude of some of the southern provinces towards the question of opium suppression, and the lack of control exercised by the Central Government over these distant regions in enforcing its oft-repeated injunctions for the abolition of the trade.\n\nAs you are aware, the province of Kuangsi was closed in February 1913 to the importation of Indian opium in accordance with article 3 of the Opium Agreement of 1911, on the understanding that the province had effectually suppressed the cultivation and import of native opium. In spite of this, however, a good deal of the drug continued to be smuggled in from the neighbouring province of Yunnan, some of it for local consumption and some in transit to the province of Kwangtung, which is still open to the trade, and His Majesty's consul at Wuchow recently reported that the local authorities, whilst outwardly issuing proclamations and offering rewards for seizures of opium, were themselves secretly engaged in the traffic. An office, known as the `Chou Hsiang Chu`, or Revenue-raising Bureau, had been established at Nanning, the provincial capital, to devise means for procuring funds for military purposes, and, among other schemes to this end, was one for legalising the transport of opium throughout the province. Permits, it was said, were issued by the bureau, for which a fee was charged at the rate of a dollar an ounce, whilst an official \"ring\" was formed for the actual control and sale of the drug.\n\nParticulars of the system were supplied to His Majesty's Legation by His Majesty's consul at Wuchow, and though it will be seen that the Tuchun, or Military Governor, denies that there is any truth in the story, it appears nevertheless to be a matter of common knowledge, and it is more than probable that the Governor is himself implicated in the scheme. At all events, on the 12th September His Majesty's Minister received a telegram from His Majesty's Consul stating that 1,700 catties (about 2,270 lb) of opium had been seized at Wuchow by the local authorities at his instigation, but that the Governor had ordered it to be sent to Nanning, where there was reason to believe that it would not be ... \n\nPage 512 \nPage 45 \nPage 44", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-471 - Public Offices - 1921.txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 512581, "series_id": 27, "series_slug": "histsyn-co129-engine", "series_title": "CO129 Colonial Office Hong Kong Records 理藩院香港檔案", "series_use_hku_proxy": false, "document_key": "CO129-507-2 China- protection of Anglo-Chinese 11-11-1927 - 23-11-1928", "page_number": 56, "title": "CO129-507-2 China- protection of Anglo-Chinese 11-11-1927 - 23-11-1928", "content_text": "58\n\n2.\n\n3.\n\n4.\n\n5.\n\n6.\n\n7.\n\nTRANSLATION.\n\nPROVISIONAL REGULATIONS FOR THE ISSUE OF DENATIONALISATION CERTIFICATES. DATED MARCH 1928.\n\nCertificates of denationalisation will be issued by the Canton Bureau for Foreign Affairs.\n\nThe Canton Bureau for Foreign Affairs will notify the Consular Body at each port that in cases where Chinese claiming foreign nationality apply for registration at consulates, such registration should be refused unless the applicant holds a certificate of denationalisation.\n\nChinese who have obtained certificates of denationalisation may only carry on trade and purchase land in the treaty ports. Those who already own land in the interior must sell it forthwith, so as to avoid their being able to avail themselves of the special privileges under the treaties, with resultant complications.\n\nThe Canton Bureau for Foreign Affairs will send in to the Provincial Government each month a list of persons who have obtained certificates of denationalisation, for circulation to the various departments.\n\nWhere applications for denationalisation are received by the Bureaux for Foreign Affairs at Ch'aochow, Hoifung, Kiungchow, Chingchow, Yamehow, Limahow and Leichow, such applications should be forwarded to the Canton Bureau for Foreign Affairs, which will issue the certificates, thus preserving co-ordination.\n\nThe Consuls in the various ports may also forward such applications on behalf of the persons concerned.\n\nThe procedure laid down in these regulations will apply to the issue of certificates of denationalisation in Kwangsi province.\n\nThese regulations will come into force from the date of their approval by the Canton Branch Political Council.", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-507-2 China- protection of Anglo-Chinese 11-11-1927 - 23-11-1928.txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 593818, "series_id": 27, "series_slug": "histsyn-co129-engine", "series_title": "CO129 Colonial Office Hong Kong Records 理藩院香港檔案", "series_use_hku_proxy": false, "document_key": "CO129-616-1 Correspondence on the production of a Cantonese-English dictionary; Report on a tour of South East... 1-1-1946 - 31-12-1947", "page_number": 106, "title": "CO129-616-1 Correspondence on the production of a Cantonese-English dictionary; Report on a tour of South East... 1-1-1946 - 31-12-1947", "content_text": "106 \n\nin a glossary, but the only place for the new combinations is under the words themselves, in the dictionary. Many of these coinages are peculiar to Cantonese, and some which are common to Mandarin have special local connotations, e.g., 接釩. So Forrest's proposal would mise comment of a similar nature. The incorporation of new combinations would be possible, though difficult, in a reprinted edition of an out-of-date dictionary but with additions.\n\n? SAIKWAN dialect: a modem dictionary ? how much more difficult to make successful in what is to most Cantonese speakers an alien tongue? For it would be rash to overlook the break-away tendencies which have been so much accentuated by the modern \"written Mandarin\" (1). Chinese writers follow the Classics, the San ku movement, and Silver Age writing; you could still pretend that Cantonese was an insignificant dialect and that pronunciation (in China) was still the same as in Nanking. But now it can no longer be concealed that they have reduced the city colloquial of Peiping to National Language, to paper and called the result their own.\n\nThe Kwangtung group and the Min-Yue groups (Cantonese, Hakka, Foishan etc.; Chinchow, Kiungchow, Jukien, Hingpo and the rest) are not part of the National Language. Try getting the average Cantonese speaker to read aloud from a \"Mandarin\" newspaper; if he reads the text it makes gibberish. Listen to any day from Chungking radio, following the text yourself from another copy; he produces an improvised translation as he goes along. Cam... \"News in Cantonese.\" If those at the head deceive themselves, neither should we.\n\nIn this point, Cantonese subjects do not, and there are a few newspapers appearing...", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-616-1 Correspondence on the production of a Cantonese-English dictionary; Report on a tour of South East... 1-1-1946 - 31-12-1947.txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 593835, "series_id": 27, "series_slug": "histsyn-co129-engine", "series_title": "CO129 Colonial Office Hong Kong Records 理藩院香港檔案", "series_use_hku_proxy": false, "document_key": "CO129-616-1 Correspondence on the production of a Cantonese-English dictionary; Report on a tour of South East... 1-1-1946 - 31-12-1947", "page_number": 123, "title": "CO129-616-1 Correspondence on the production of a Cantonese-English dictionary; Report on a tour of South East... 1-1-1946 - 31-12-1947", "content_text": "123 \n\n2 \n\nyik-yams in a glossary, but the only place for the new combinations of old words is under the words themselves, in the body of the dictionary. Many of these coinages are peculiar to Cantonese, and some which are common to Mandarin have special local connotations, e.g. \n\nSo Forrest's proposal would invite comment of a similar nature, but with additions. The incorporation of new combinations would be possible, though difficult, in a reprinted edition of an out-of-date dictionary of SAIKWAN dialect: how much more difficult to make successful use of a modern dictionary in what is to most Cantonese speakers an alien tongue? For it would be rash to overlook the break-away tendencies which have been so much accentuated by the modern \"written Mandarin\" movement. So long as Chinese writers followed the Classics, the San Kua and Silver Age writing, you could still pretend that Cantonese was only a dialect and that pronunciation (in China) was an insignificant detail. But now that they have reduced the city colloquial of Peiping and Nanking to paper and called the result their National Language, it can no longer be concealed that the Kwangtung group and the Min-Woo groups (Cantonese, Hakka, Toishan etc., Chinchow, Kiungchow, Fukien, Ningpo and the rest) are not part of that Nation. Try getting an educated Cantonese to read aloud from the average \"Mandarin\" newspaper, following the text yourself from another copy; he will produce an impromptu translation as he goes along. If he reads the text it makes gibberish of the kind you can listen to any day from Chungking radio, dubbed \"News in Cantonese\". If those at the head of affairs in China deceive themselves on this point, our Cantonese subjects do not, and neither should we. There are now appearing a few newspapers in tolerable written Cantonese, and a newspaper in written Hakka was going most of the war in the East River district. \n\nThe difficulty of using any Cantonese dictionary which is based on a Mandarin dictionary will, I fear, be great; will become greater, and will be the greater the more up-to-date the Mandarin dictionary is: for more and more Mandarin coinages are not accepted as currency in Cantonese. I fear that users of Mathew's transliterated into Cantonese will produce a jargon like the kind spoken by dear old Wells, who as you know was largely unintelligible to our Chinese colleagues on the examination board. \n\nWhat is really wanted, and I am sure Forrest will agree on this, is an entirely new dictionary of Cantonese. Much of Eitel could be used as raw material (I assume the copyright is now defunct?) but only as raw material. It is too far gone for revision. \n\nIt is very pleasant news to know that Forrest is home and is available for work of this nature. This presumably means that his health is completely re-established. He has the knowledge of Cantonese, the scholarship and also the energy and drive to undertake the larger work of compiling a completely new dictionary, if he has the support. He may need assistance - indeed there are matters such as romanization on which everyone holds such extremely different views that it almost needs a Royal Commission to settle them first. But now that Government funds are being made available for developing facilities for studying oriental languages, ... studying", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-616-1 Correspondence on the production of a Cantonese-English dictionary; Report on a tour of South East... 1-1-1946 - 31-12-1947.txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 }, { "id": 593838, "series_id": 27, "series_slug": "histsyn-co129-engine", "series_title": "CO129 Colonial Office Hong Kong Records 理藩院香港檔案", "series_use_hku_proxy": false, "document_key": "CO129-616-1 Correspondence on the production of a Cantonese-English dictionary; Report on a tour of South East... 1-1-1946 - 31-12-1947", "page_number": 126, "title": "CO129-616-1 Correspondence on the production of a Cantonese-English dictionary; Report on a tour of South East... 1-1-1946 - 31-12-1947", "content_text": "126\n\n\n2 \n\nyik-yams in a glossary, but the only place for the new combinations of old words is under the words themselves, in the body of the dictionary. Many of these coinages are peculiar to Cantonese, and some which are common to Mandarin have special local connotations, e.g.\n\nSo Forrest's proposal would invite comment of a similar nature, but with additions. The incorporation of new combinations would be possible, though difficult, in a reprinted edition of an out-of-date dictionary of SAIKVAN dialect: how much more difficult to make successful use of a modern dictionary in what is to most Cantonese speakers an alien tongue? For it would be rash to overlook the break-away tendencies which have been so much accentuated by the modern \"written Mandarin\" movement.\n\nSo long as Chinese writers followed the Classics, the San Kua and Silver Age writing, you could still pretend that Cantonese was only a dialect and that pronunciation (in China) was an insignificant detail. But now that they have reduced the city colloquial of Peiping and Nanking to paper and called the result their National Language, it can no longer be concealed that the Kwangtung group and the Min-Woo groups (Cantonese, Hakka, Toishan etc., Chinchow, Kiungchow, Fukien, Ningpo and the rest) are not part of that Nation. Try getting an educated Cantonese to read aloud from the average \"Mandarin\" newspaper, following the text yourself from another copy; he will produce an impromptu translation as he goes along. If he reads the text it makes gibberish of the kind you can listen to any day from Chungking radio, dubbed \"News in Cantonese\". If those at the head of affairs in China deceive themselves on this point, our Cantonese subjects do not, and neither should we. There are now appearing a few newspapers in tolerable written Cantonese, and a newspaper in written Hakka was going most of the war in the East River district.\n\nThe difficulty of using any Cantonese dictionary which is based on a Mandarin dictionary will, I fear, be great; become greater, and will be the greater the more up-to-date the Mandarin dictionary is: for more and more Mandarin coinages are not accepted as currency in Cantonese. I fear that users of Kathow's transliterated into Cantonese will produce a jargon of the kind spoken by dear old Wells, who as you know was largely unintelligible to our Chinese colleagues on the examination board.\n\nWhat is really wanted, and I am sure Forrest will agree on this, is an entirely new dictionary of Cantonese. Much of Eitel could be used as raw material (I assume the copyright is now defunct?) but only as raw material. It is too far gone for revision.\n\nIt is very pleasant news to know that Forrest is home and is available for work of this nature. This presumably means that his health is completely re-established. He has the knowledge of Cantonese, the scholarship and also the energy and drive to undertake the larger work of compiling a completely new dictionary, if he has the support. He may need assistance - indeed there are matters such as romanization on which everyone holds such extremely different views that it almost needs a Royal Commission to settle them first. But now that Government funds are being made available for developing facilities for studying orient...", "txt_file_path": "txt/2diw2n4r2/CO129-616-1 Correspondence on the production of a Cantonese-English dictionary; Report on a tour of South East... 1-1-1946 - 31-12-1947.txt", "external_url": "", "rank": 0 } ]