GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
RAILWAY DEPARTMENT
19331
(RAILWAY BOARD).
10 JUN 09)
No.611 R.E.
CALCUTTA.
Dated 18th of February, 19001
TO
The Private Secretary to
H.E. the Governor and Commander-in-Chief,
HONG KONG,
CHINA.
Sir,
135
In December last we received the following telegram from the Secretary of State for India, London:-
"Colonial Office asks for the loan of the services of thoroughly competent railway officer with special knowledge of open lines working and of working of joint agreement between lines under separate ownership to advise Governor of Hongkong and act as delegate in negotiating working agreement between Kowloon Railway and Chinese Railway from Canton. Can you provide suitable officer. Government Director of Indian Railways suggests Bonham Carter or Johns. Engagement to be for 3 years. What amount of renumeration do you suggest? Very early reply desirable."
In reply to this we telegraphed :-
"We can spare Bonham Carter. stop. As he is in England he might be communicated with regarding rate of pay."
To this we received in reply a telegram dated 12th February saying:-
"Your telegram of 16th January. Bonham Carter not available. Colonial office suggests you should communicate with Governor of Hongkong direct regarding loan. Please act accordingly."
The Railway Board of India, to whom the matter has been referred, are most willing to assist the Government of Hongkong by lending an officer suitable for the work that has