34
2
Chinese Corporation have been built and equipped on an extravagant scale, and there is the danger that, in pursuance of this idea, they may construct their section of the Canton-Kowloon line in a cheap and inefficient manner. Apart from any such idea on the part of the Chinese, there may be some risk of the loan which has been raised being insufficient under Chinese administration, and in view of the heavy demands made for the purchase of the land required. From many points of view it is conceivable that the line may be so badly laid out, the permanent way so light, and the bridges so inadequate in strength that the Hong Kong trains could not safely run over them; and it is even conceivable 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 joint service between Kowloon and Canton. The Chinese Government might be informed that the Hong Kong section of the line has now reached a stage in its construction when it becomes necessary to consider what provision to this end must be made by the Colonial Government, and what terminal accommodation of all kinds is necessary. The latter would therefore be glad to be favoured with the views of the Chinese Government as to the number and size of the trains to be run in each direction. They would also be grateful for information on the technical details of construction and equipment on the Chinese section, e.g., curves and gradients, design of bridges, weight of rails, weight and type of rolling-stock, and so on, in order that the designs of the Hong Kong rolling-stock may be considered in relation thereto. Similar information will doubtless be required by the Chinese Government in respect of the Hong Kong line, and the Colonial Government would be glad to reciprocate by furnishing it.
8. If anything can be accomplished in this direction, it will have the advantage of eliciting pledges as to the future action of the Chinese Government, and, by bringing them face to face with the technical problems of railway construction, it may have the further advantage of making them realize that skilled European assistance, such as is afforded by consulting engineers, cannot be dispensed with.
9. It may be desirable that you should consult with Sir J. Jordan as to the time at which, and the quarter to which, such representations should be made. In any case, you will of course keep him fully informed as to any action that may be taken. I commend the question to your earnest attention, in view of its vital importance to Hong Kong, but I feel it is necessary that you should be left with full discretion as to the manner in which this very difficult situation can best be dealt with.
I have, &c.
(This Document is the Property of His Britannic Majesty's Government.)
CHINA RAILWAYS.
CONFIDENTIAL.
[20378]
Sir,
No. 1.
Foreign Office to Colonial Office.
0.
24461
Received [June 20?] JUL 08
SECTION 1.
Foreign Office, June 29, 1908.
I am directed by Secretary Sir E. Grey to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 12th instant, forwarding correspondence with the Governor of Hong Kong respecting the Canton-Hankow Railway.
I am to transmit to you, to be laid before the Secretary of State for the Colonies, a copy of a despatch which has since been received from His Majesty's Minister at Peking on the subject.
I am to suggest that Sir F. Lugard's attention should be invited to this despatch and to the papers communicated to this Department by Mr. Addis, of the Hong Kong and Shanghae Bank, on the 25th February, and already sent to you in print in the usual course, which embody the Agreement concluded at that time between the English and French Syndicates. It will then be clear to him that the present deadlock is not caused by any claims or action taken by the French group.
I am, &c. (Signed) F. A. CAMPBELL.
* Sir J. Jordan, No. 224, May 25, 1908.
34
2
Chinese Corporation have been built and equipped on an extravagant scale, and there is the danger that, in pursuance of this idea, they may construct their section of the Canton-Kowloon line in a cheap and inefficient manner. Apart from any such idea on the part of the Chinese, there may be some risk of the loan which has been raised being insufficient under Chinese administration, and in view of the heavy demands made for the purchase of the land required. From many points of view it is conceivable that the line may be so badly laid out, the permanent way so light, and the bridges so inadequate in strength that the Hong Kong trains could not safely run over them; and it is even conceivable 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 joint service between Kowloon and Canton. The Chinese Government might be informed that the Hong Kong section of the line has now reached a stage in its construction when it becomes necessary to consider what provision to this end must be made by the Colonial Government, and what terminal accommodation of all kinds is necessary. The latter would therefore be glad to be favoured with the views of the Chinese Government as to the number and size of the trains to be run in each direction. They would also be grateful for information on the technical details of construction and equipment on the Chinese section, e.g., curves and gradients, design of bridges, weight of rails, weight and type of rolling-stock, and so on, in order that the designs of the Hong Kong rolling-stock may be considered in relation thereto. Similar information will doubtless be required by the Chinese Government in respect of the Hong Kong line, and the Colonial Government would be glad to reciprocate by furnishing it.
8. If anything can be accomplished in this direction, it will have the advantage of eliciting pledges as to the future action of the Chinese Government, and, by bringing them face to face with the technical problems of railway construction, it may have the further advantage of making them realize that skilled European assistance, such as is afforded by consulting engineers, cannot be dispensed with.
9. It may be desirable that you should consult with Sir J. Jordan as to the time at which, and the quarter to which, such representations should be made. In any case, you will of course keep him fully informed as to any action that may be taken. I commend the question to your earnest attention, in view of its vital importance to Hong Kong, but I feel it is necessary that you should be left with full discretion as to the manner in which this very difficult situation can best be dealt with.
I have, &c.
(This Document is the Property of His Britannic Majesty's Governprent.].
CHINA RAILWAYS.
CONFIDENTIAL.
[20378]
Sir,
No. 1.
Foreign Office to Colonial Office.
0.
24461
Rece
[June 2017 JUL 08
SECTION 1.
Foreign Office, June 29, 1908. I AM directed by Secretary Sir E. Grey to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 12th instant, forwarding correspondence with the Governor of Hong Kong respecting the Canton-Hankow Railway.
I am to transmit to you, to be laid before the Secretary of State for the Colonies, a copy of a despatch which has since been received from His Majesty's Minister at Peking ou the subject."
am to suggest that Sir F. Lugard's attention should be invited to this despatch and to the papers communicated to this Department by Mr. Addis, of the Hong Kong and Shanghae Bank, on the 25th February, and already sent to you in print in the usual course, which embody the Agreement concluded at that time between the English and French Syndicates. It will then be clear to him that the present deadlock is not caused by any claims or action taken by the Freuch group.
[1814 #--1]
I am, &c. (Signed) F. A. CAMPBELL.
* Sir J. Jordan, No. 224, May 25, 1908.
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