§ 3. Colonel WEDGWOODasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the Trans-Siberian Railway is yet being operated under American management; whether he is aware that the American Government have capable men on the spot to do the work; and whether, if the Americans have not yet taken over the management, he will see that all the influence of His Majesty's Government is directed towards that end, without any restrictions on our part, at the earliest possible moment?
§ Lord R. CECILThe answer to the first part of the question is in the negative and to the second part in the affirmative. With regard to the third part, the American and Japanese Governments are now considering the best method of managing the railway in question, and His Majesty's Government have announced their readiness to concur in any decision which those two Governments may take.
§ Colonel WEDGWOODIs His Majesty's Government supporting the use of those admirable engineer officials of the American Government?
§ Lord R. CECILWe are very desirous of seeing the use of any American officials that can be used. The attitude of the Government is expressed in the first part of my answer. They have announced their readiness to concur in any decision which those two Governments may take.
§ Colonel WEDGWOODIs the attitude of the Japanese Government hostile to their use?
§ Lord R. CECILNot that I know.