File No. 893.77/1643
J. P. Morgan and Company to the Secretary of State
New York,
November 23, 1917.
Dear sir: We enclose for your information copy
of a letter which we have just received from the Peking office of the
International
[Page 205]
Banking
Corporation, relative to the future policy to be pursued on the Hukuang
Railways, with special regard to the German section.
We would appreciate very much an expression of opinion from you in the
matter outlined in this letter.
Yours very truly,
J. P. Morgan & Co.
[Inclosure]
The Manager of the International Banking Corporation at Peking to the
General Manager at New York
International Banking Corporation,
Peking,
October 20, 1917.
Dear sir: It seems to be the united
opinion of the Groups’ representatives in Peking that this time,
when the interests of England, France, China and the United States
are similar, as opposed to Germany, is most opportune for arriving
at some new understanding regarding the future policy to be pursued
on the Hukuang Railways. With the changed conditions, the old
Hukuang Agreement would probably have to be considerably altered and
the eventual disposition of the German section agreed upon. May we
suggest that a conference of the representatives of the Groups be
held either in New York or London and the question of the future
action on the Hukuang Railways discussed.
We understand that the American Legation is wiring to the State
Department inquiring as to the status of the German interests on the
Hukuang at the close of the War. This information could probably be
secured direct from the State Department by the Groups if
desired.
A statement of mileage of Sections, prepared by Mr. Saint Pierre of
the Banque de l’Indo-Chine and Mr. Mayers of the British-Chinese
Corporations is enclosed.42 It has been submitted to Mr. Randolph for
verification and should any correction be made you will be duly
advised.
Yours very truly,
R. E. Shaw,
Acting Manager
