TNAG-0772-FCO40-976-Modernisation-and-electrification-of-the-Kowloon-Canton-Rail-1978 — Page 71

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HRK 173/2

REQUIV

NO. 51

30 October, 1978.

Y

Acton Teken

SCR 4/3571/62 x

DUX OFFICER

Re

INDEX

PA

No

JT Masefield Esq

Far Eastern Department

F CO

丸

"As Thompson

faid are Whing 01/11

is this.

об

BRITISH RAILWAYS MISSION TO CHINA

2

15

We recently had through here the British Railways mission to China led by their chief executive, Mr I M Campbell. Just before they left they gave a press conference which included the statement (copy attached)* that they had been asked by the Chinese Ministry of Railways to make outline proposals on the modernisation of the railway line from the border to Canton,

2.

Unfortunately, I only became aware of this just after the delegation had left. Although the group had discussions with our own railway authorities and the latter have given me a copy of Campbell's letter to the Minister of Railways in Peking (copy attached)* I would still like to have a much clearer picture of what the Chinese said to them about the railway to Canton. Could you find out in particular: who put the proposal to them; what the Chinese said about making their line compatible with our own electrification programme; what they said, if anything, about a through train service; and whether there is any serious commitment to make use of British expertise or equipment to carry out modernisation.

3+

Incidentally, I would also be interested to know whether the Chinese pay for the work done to produce the proposals or whether British Railways provide that service free in the hope of muscling in on some of the future development.

CC

you and Peking only

ET Davies Esq PEKING

W E Quantrill Esq

(D C Wilson)

Hong Kong & General Department

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