CONFIDENTIAL
415)
Cypher/Cat.A
PRIORITY PEKING ΤΟ FOREIGN OFFICE
Telno. 259
CONFIDENTIAL
30 March 1968
Addressed to Foreign Office telegram No. 259 of 30 March. Repeated for information to Hong Kong.
Fischer of Vickers-Zimmer telephoned Peters on 29 March to give him text of summons which has been served on him ordering "General Manager, authoritative representative of Vickers-Zimmer, London" to attend a Peking Municipal Intermediate People's Court martial on 25 April in a "case of fraud".. Fischer says he has telegraphed text to Vickers-Zimmer in London.
2.
Chinese had warned Cockburn when here that they might take the case to a People's Court. Court will presumably find Vickers-Zimmer guilty of fraud and will probably impose financial penalty.
3.
I think that Vickers-Zimmer should be advised not (repeat not) to send representative from London although Fischer
may be forced to attend as authoritative representative. If he is, presumably we ought to try to be represented at hearing as observer, since Vickers-Zimmer is being treated as a British firm.
4..
Please discuss this with Cockburn. We will keep in touch with Fischer by telephone.
Foreign Office pass Hong Kong 180.
Sir D. Hopson
[Repeated as requested]
DEPARTMENTAL DISTRIBUTION
F.0.
F.E.D.
Consular Dept.
D.D. & P.U.S.D. E.R.D.
J.I.R.D.
J.R.D..
News Dept.
C.O.
H.K. Dept. S.A.D.
CONFIDENTIAL