893.51/2984: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Minister in China (Crane)
267. Your 265, September 23, noon, paraphrased to American Group which has received similar despatch from its representative at Peking in which China asked advance Mexican $3,000,000 before September 27th. American Group desires earnestly to serve interests Chinese Government, but, as already pointed out by Lamont, cannot effectively or properly act independently of International Consortium which meets New York next week at which time matter will be taken up and receive such attention as it deserves. Meanwhile, for information of American Group, cable what part of advance requested would have to be used, according to Minister’s calculations, to meet obligations on German issue Hukuang coupons now in default. Regarding funds for further early construction Hukuang Railway Lamont reminds Ministers of Finance and Communications of special plan presented early in April by four groups in reply to request dated late in March from Minister of Communications.25 Lamont still believes that plan then presented offers only solution for further construction of Hukuang Railway upon broad and assured basis. Lamont asks particularly that Minister review again plans in question and transmit his views in time for Consortium meeting next week. Please urge also that Williams furnish figures requested regarding revenue over a series of years of Wine and Tobacco Administration.