UK - PUBLIC RECORD OFFICE, KEW

File documenting Britain's approach regarding investment in China, includes, notes on conversations between British Diplomatic officials in Shangai with Jean Monnet regarding his activities in China and problems that existed, China's credit difficulties, consortium and railway debts. - Memorandums and reports from Shanghai and Tokyo regarding with scepticism Monnet's plan for a finance corporation through which foreign investment could enter China without the Chinese losing face. - Minutes of meeting between British official and Monnet regarding Chinese railways plans for their consolidation and need to float loan to achieve this. - Material concerning Japanese animosity to international co-operation for China, which according to L. Beale, Commercial Counsellor in China, "would be the rock on which his (Monnet) schemes would be shipwrecked". Information on Japanese thinking that if the corporation came into being they would no longer occupy preferential position in China. Reports on Monnet's attempts to involve China in proposed financial corporation. - Information that the China Finance Development Corporation (CDFC) came into existence officially, 02/06/1997. Letter from Beale stating Shanghai viewed its establishment favourably, if rather Utopian but "sincere first step on the part of China to take an interest and responsibility in China in partnership with foreign capital". - Information on currency crisis in China and ensuing pressure to accept Japanese loan and eschew international assistance, therefore need for immediate financial assistance for China. - Letter from SD Waley, Treasury Chamber to L. Browett, Board of Trade, says he will do anything to sabotage Monnet from his end. - Completion of GB loan for Shanghai-Hangchow-Ningpo railway.

English

Textual

The originals are held in various Archives in Europe and in the USA

CEM/JMAS

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