§ 17. Earl WINTERTONasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he has received any information as to the effect of the recent military operations in China upon the property of the Kailan Mining Administration; and, in particular, whether there has been any interference with the railway built by this British company for their use between Tongshan and Chinwangtao?
§ Sir J. SIMONI have no information of any damage to the property of the Kailan Mining Administration. As regards the second part of the question, my understanding is that the railway was not built by this company; it is a Chinese Government railway, though built with British Capttal. Part of the second track of the railway was raised some weeks ago for strategic reasons by the Chinese military authorities, and the railway bridge over the Lwan river has Since been damaged.
§ Earl WINTERTONIs it not the fact that this railway is essential in order that the mines may be carried on; and 1532 has not the mining company a very large share in the railway?
§ Sir J. SIMONI cannot answer that question with precision, but I have no doubt that the railway is essential to the mining company.