893.51/2843
The Ambassador in Great Britain (Davis) to the Secretary of
State
London, May 19,
1920.
[Received June 8.]
No. 2866
Sir: With reference to the Department’s
telegraphic instruction No. 469 of May 8, 1920 6 p.m.,29 and previous
correspondence relative to the Chinese Loan Consortium, I have the
honor to transmit herewith enclosed, for the information of the
Department, a copy of the Japanese Note to the Foreign Office and a
copy of their reply thereto, dated May 10 and May 17
respectively.30
I have [etc.]
[Page 543]
[Enclosure]
The British Foreign
Office to the Japanese Embassy
in Great Britain
No. F815/2/10
Memorandum
His Majesty’s Government have the honour to acknowledge the
memorandum which the Japanese Ambassador handed to His Majesty’s
Principal Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs on the 10th
instant.
His Majesty’s Government are much gratified to learn that the
Imperial Japanese Government in recording in point (1) of their
memorandum of the 14th April31 Japan’s view in regard
to the extension of the Taonanfu-Jehol Railway, were prompted by
no desire to put forward any new condition or demand, and they
are glad to note that their Ally is satisfied that His Majesty’s
Government have no wish to do anything which would conflict with
their vital interests. As regards point (2) His Majesty’s
Government are happy to note that it was merely raised in order
to set forth the circumstances in which the Imperial Government
felt the need of the assistance and co-operation of the Powers
concerned in the actual construction of the Railway from
Taonanfu to Jehol and thence to the sea. They appreciate the
fact that in thus giving a frank expression to their hope, the
Japanese Government were inspired by no other desire than to
make an appeal to the spirit of general co-operation which forms
the foundation of the Consortium and which it is hoped will at
all times inspire its operations and that they do not ask for
explicit assurances in regard to the 2 points referred to
above.
His Majesty’s Government are happy on their part to reaffirm the
general assurance to which they declared their willingness to
subscribe in the memorandum which Lord Curzon sent to Viscount
Chinda on the 19th March32 to the effect
that the Japanese Government need have no reason to apprehend
that the Consortium would direct any activities affecting the
security of the economic life and national defence of Japan and
that the Japanese Government can firmly rely on the good faith
of the Powers concerned to refuse to countenance any operations
inimical to such interests.
His Majesty’s Government gladly note that the Imperial Government
rely on the friendly spirit in which they have offered to renew
their assurance and they are most gratified to find that, in
view of the complete understanding now effected between the
Governments
[Page 544]
concerned
in regard to the principles upon which the Consortium will
operate, the Japanese Government are prepared to lend their
support to the conclusion of an arrangement between the banking
groups and to give it the necessary confirmation.
In conclusion His Majesty’s Government would express the hope
that the Japanese Group will immediately receive the required
authorization, in order that the Consortium, which promises such
great and enduring benefits to all the countries concerned, may
be established and set in motion with the least possible
delay.
