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CYPHER/CAT A
IMMEDIATE FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH OFFICE
Το
HONG KONG
TELEGRAM NUMBER 282
1 MAY 1969
(HKK 21/4)
CONFIDENTIAL
THE FOLLOWING PARLIAMENTARY QUESTION HAS BEEN ASKED BY HUMPHREY
ATKINS, FOR ORAL ANSWER ON 5 MAY.
2. QUOTE TO ASK THE SOSFCA WHAT PROGRESS HAS BEEN MADE BY THE
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT WITH THEIR PLANS FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF A
TUNNEL BETWEEN HONG KONG AND THE MAINLAND. UNQUOTE
3. WE HAVE PROPOSED THE FOLLOWING ANSWER QUOTE THE HONG KONG
GOVERNMENT ARE PROSPECTIVE SHAREHOLDERS IN A LIMITED COMPANY KNOWN
AS THE CROSS HARBOUR TUNNEL COMPANY, TO WHICH THEY HAVE AWARDED A FRANCHISE FOR THE CONSTRUCTIONS OF A TUNNEL BETWEEN HONG KONG ISLAND AND THE MAINLAND. THAT COMPANY HAVING RECENTLY REACHED AGREEMENT IN PRINCIPLE WITH LLOYDS BANK ON THE PROVISION OF LOAN
FINANCE ARE NOW PROCEEDING TO DETAILED NEGOTIATIONS WITH A CONSORTIUM LED BY COSTAIN CIVIL ENGINEERING LTD, AND HOPE THAT THE CONTRACT WILL BE SIGNED THIS MONTH. UNQUOTE
GRATEFUL FOR YOUR COMMENTS AND VIEWS BY 1000 HRS FRIDAY
2 MAY
STEWART
DEPARTMENTAL DISTRIBUTION
HONG KONG DEPT.
FAR LASTERN DEPT.
F.P. & A.D.
EXPORT PROMOTION DEPT. NEWS DEPT.
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