TNAG-0337-FCO40-373-Visit-of-the-Chancellor-of-the-Duchy-of-Lancaster--Sir-Geoff-1972 — Page 46

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.