§ Mr. ARBUTHNOTasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the agreement which provided for the financing and construction of the Hankow-Szechuen Railway laid down that extensions of this railway were to be divided equally between groups representing, respectively, the United States, Great Britain, and France; if so, whether His Majesty's Government had sanctioned this arrangement; and was he aware that the Chinese Government had already entrusted the construction of these extensions to a Chinese provincial company which had publicly announced that no foreign participation in these enterprises would be permitted, and had actually commenced work thereon?
§ The SECRETARY of STATE for FOREIGN AFFAIRS (Sir E. Grey)The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. As regards the second part of the question, an Imperial Order was published in March last authorising the gentry of the Hupei Province to form a railway company, to raise capital, and to prepare for the issue of shares. As this Decree seemed open to an interpretation unfavourable to the railway undertakings entered into between China and the British, French, and German financial groups in June, 1909, the representatives of the three countries concerned have inquired as to the intention of the Chinese Government in the matter.
§ Mr. ARBUTHNOTMay I ask whether the agreement referred to in the first part of the question has been approved by the Chinese Government?
§ Sir E. GREYPerhaps the hon. Member will give notice of any supplementary question.
EARL of RONALDSHAYHas the right hon. Gentleman had any reply from the Chinese Government to the representations made by the chief Powers concerned?
§ Sir E. GREYI must ask for notice of that question.