861.77/2082: Telegram
The Chargé in Japan (Bell) to the Secretary of State
[Received May 21—6:37 p.m.]
173. Repeating telegram received from the Legation in China:
No. 192, May 21, 10 a.m., replying to no. 114 of April 13, from the Department.6 British Legation, I understand, has answered home government that in principle it agreed with the proposal of the American Government but that it anticipated that China and Japan would offer serious opposition. This Legation concurs in this view. The Chinese are increasingly showing independence in matters regarding the Chinese Eastern Railway. Recently Mr. C. C. Wang told the Legation with some concern and surprise that at a time when the duties of the Technical Board should seemingly be nearing a close, the Board seemed to desire to extend its powers. Mr. Wang stated that recently the Technical Board had lost political strength and that this was before he had had for the first time occasion to take issue on certain matters with the American representative on the Board.