The Government protest against the construction of this railway, which will commence in the spring, is that no formal concession was ever granted by the Central Government while the Government cannot in any circumstances recognize a deal made with Chang Tso-lin. The. Japanese reply is that a full understanding was reached with Chang Chih-tan when he was Minister of Communications. This is presumably true as far as it goes, for just before his death here a year ago the Manchu Wen Lu produced cards bearing the inscription "President of the Tien-Hui Light Railway," but the Japanese omit to mention the vital point that the agreement was not signed and that there is therefore no documentary proof of the understanding with Chang Chih-tan. If the endorsement of the present administration is not obtained, therefore, and if the Japanese authorities insist upon going ahead with the railway with Chang Tso-lin's endorsement, it will be tantamount to recognition by Japan. of the complete independence of Manchuria—a diplomatic attitude which the other Powers will scarce-, ly be willing to adopt.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.