File No. 893.77/1602
The French Ambassador to the Secretary of State
Washington, April 21, 1917.
Mr. Secretary of State: The Government of the Republic has received recently information to the effect that the railway contracts [Page 188] awarded by the Chinese Government to the American banked group in September last included the construction of a track across Kwangsi.
My Government does not know whether the information is correct. It directs me, in any event, to call your excellency’s attention to the fact that such a concession would be in contravention of a formal agreement made with France by the Chinese Government on September 26, 1914, under which we are given preference in regard to any railroad built in that province which borders on Tonking.
Be pleased [etc.]