433
permanent way
:
DRAFT.
+
the line may be so badly laid out, "the weight so light, and the bridges so inadequate in strength, that the Hong Kong trains could not conceivably safely run over them; and it is even possible that the gauge might be altered.
6.
It appears to me to be essential that steps should be taken without further delay to obtain satisfactory assurances from the Chinese Government on these points, and, as it would obviously be desirable to do this in a manner to which no exception could be taken, I would suggest the following mode of procedure for your consideration.
7. It should be assumed, as a matter of course, that the two Administrations intend eventually to make such arrangements as will provide efficiently for a through service between Kowloon and Canton. The Chinese Government might be informed that the Hong Kong section of the line has now reached