CONFIDENTIAL
VISIT OF THE CHANCELLOR OF THE DUCHY OF LANCASTER TO HONG KONG
HONG KONG MASS TRANSIT SYSTEM
Line to Take
1.
Mr Rippon is unlikely to be questioned on this subject in
Hong Kong. However, if it is raised by the press or anybody
else he could confirm HMG's considerable interest in the project.
He might express confidence in the ability of the powerful
British consortium of manufacturers and construction companies
to produce an underground system which would bring great credit
to both Hong Kong and the United Kingdom. This consortium would
have the strong support of HMG.
2. He could go on to say that the decision to go ahead with
this major development was a further example of the imaginative
way in which the people of Hong Kong tackled their problems.
Background
3. The Hong Kong Government have decided to proceed with the
construction of a Mass Transit Railway subject to satisfactory
arrangements being made for financing it and for letting
contracts. The system will have a mileage of some 33 miles
and a network of 48 stations linking the urban areas of Hong
Kong with those of Kowloon and the new towns of Tsuen Wan and
Kwai Chung. The total estimated cost is HK$7,000 million
(£500 million) of which goods and services from abroad will
come to about £350 million and local costs some £150 million.
CONFIDENTIAL
/4.