TNAG-0772-FCO40-976-Modernisation-and-electrification-of-the-Kowloon-Canton-Rail-1978 — Page 10

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CONFIDENTIAL

CR 14/2321/50 III

(1)

Through traía service to Canton

There are no insuperable difficulties to having a through train service, either before or after electri- fication of our section of the railway. In setting it up, we would have to take account of the following points.

A through train service from Canton to Hong Kong would have to be limited to those who had valid documentation for entering Hong Kong. Those who came here on Chinese 'internal" travel documents alone (i.e. without an entry or re-entry visa) would have to continue to use the present arrangements.

(11)

(111)

(iv)

(v)

(vi)

The best way of running a through train service would be to have customs and immigration dealt with at each end and a sealed train between. There would be no point in a through train if passengers had to get out and go through the Formalities at the bridge.

We would not wish to have our own customs or immigration authorities in Canton. Mor would we wish to have the Chinese at Hung Hom. Ve could make arrangements for the Chinese (China Travel Service) to search hand baggage and to deal appropriately with other baggage to overcome any security fears they may have.

We would have to insist that the Chinese should agree to take back anybody who did not fit under the criteria at (i) and who slipped on to the train.

Booking arrangements would be made through China Travel Service. This would give the Chinese an adequate means of checking who got on to the train going to Canton, without the need for immigration Facilities here.

Arrangements about rolling stock etc. could be left for later discussion. At present. hovaver, we do not have carriages or engines which would be suitable for the journey to Canton. In an initial period at least ve would therefore have to use Chicase rolling stock.

Political Adviser's Office, 7 December, 1978.

CONFIDENTIAL