Russo-Chinese Bank) is a joint stock Company (société anonyme par actions) of a purely commercial character, and that it is not connected with any political party in Russia. We expressly declare that no other nation than Russia and China has an interest in the Chinese Eastern Railway. Pray accept, Mr. Minister, the assurance of our high consideration. (Signed) J. RAINDRE. His Excellency Mr. YEH KUNG-CHO, Minister of Communications, Peking. Letter from the Ministry of Communications to the Russo-Asiatic Bank Dated: October 2, 1920. I have the honor to state that (1) the Chinese Government subscribed Kuping Taels 5,000,000 in the 22d year of Kuang Hsu, 7th Moon, 25th day, for shares and engaged in business with the Russian Hua O Ta Sheng Bank (now known as the Russo-Asiatic Bank), which concluded a contract to construct and manage the Chinese Eastern Railway. Secondly, the Chinese Government has a very important interest therein because of money loaned to the said railway in times of need in addition to the 5,000,000 taels due by the Chinese Eastern Railway to the Chinese Govern Thirdly, because of political disturbances, Russia has been unable to manage the said railway and to maintain order. Fourth, the Chinese Government has responsibilities in connection with its sovereign rights, the maintenance of peace in places within the railway zone, the maintenance of international communications, the protection of the railway property and the maintenance of everything in good order. Combining all the reasons mentioned above, together with the resulting responsibility, this Ministry, representing the Chinese Government, officially informs your bank that the Chinese Government has decided to execute temporarily on behalf of the Russian Government the said railway agreement and assumes the duties and authorities granted by the regulations now in force, and it will also execute the agreement made for joint management in the 22d year of Kuang Hsu and also assumes the special authority granted by the original regulations. The substitution for Russian authority will last until the date when the Chinese Government officially recognizes the Russian Government and until the two Governments draw up an (another?) agreement for the management of the railway. I have the honor to request that you take note of the above, and that you favor me with a reply. With compliments 9th year Ministry of Communications. of the Chinese Republic, 10th month, 2d day. Letter from Russo-Asiatic Bank to Ministry of Communications I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of the Ministry's communication in which the following is set forth: (Letter of October 2, 1920, from Ministry of Communications to Russo-Asiatic Bank quoted here.) and I have the honor to reply that I have taken note thereof. I have the honor to state that with regard to our discussion of the Chinese Eastern Railway with reference to Your Excellency's requests (demands) I telegraphed to the head office of this bank stating that trustworthy evidence must be offered showing that the Russo-Asiatic Bank control all the shares of the Chinese Eastern Railway. A telegraphic reply and a letter were transmitted to this Bank by the French Minister to China on September 24th, and I now have the honor to enclose herewith copies. The proof (of ownership) was transmitted through the French Foreign Office and is conclusive proof that the shares of the Chinese Eastern Railway belong to the Russo-Asiatic Bank. Letter from French Legation to Russo-Asiatic Bank I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your request with reference to the reply to the official despatch from the Chinese Ministry of Communications requesting proof that the share of the Chinese Eastern Railway belong to the Russo-Asiatic Bank, and I now have to inform you that the French Foreign Office has favorably acted upon my request and has instructed the bank to deliver the evidence. This evidence bears the signature of M. Sahmen, the representative in London of the Russian Ministry of Finance. The official despatch has already been sent you by the Paris office under registered cover. I enclose herewith for your information a copy of the telegram dated September 18th from the French Premier and Minister for Foreign Affairs. This telegram is sufficient proof of the evidence desired and you may so inform the Chinese Government. M. JESIERSKI, (Signed) BOPPE. Director General Russo-Asiatic Bank. Telegram from M. Millerand, French Premier and Minister for Foreign Affairs, to M. Boppe, French Minister to China Please inform Jezierski that the evidence requested has been issued. Please transmit the following to him: "You will receive by the next mail steamer the registered letter with the proof sent you by M. Sahmen, the representative in London of the Russian Ministry of Finance." The letter of M. Sahmen, representative of the Russian Ministry of Finance and attaché of the Russian Embassy in London, is proof that the shares of the Chinese Eastern Railway belong to the Russo-Asiatic Bank. Letter from the Russo-Asiatic Bank to Minister of Communications Dated: October 6, 1920. I have the honor to certify that the Russo-Asiatic Bank is a corporation of Russian nationality and is registered at Petrograd. With compliments, etc. (Signed) RAINDRE |