Reference.....
72
Sir A. Galsworthy
This morning Mr. Sowden of Costain's telephoned me to enquire whether any progress had been made over the Tunnel project. I replied that there was nothing more to report than he was told by Mr. Carter when they spoke a few days ago.
2. His call had been prompted by advice he had received that C.D.C. were not interested in the project. This seemed to have surprised him (though not us!) as the Tunnel Company had expressed confidence that the Corporation would provide a solution to their problems. Mr. Sowden indicated his dis- satisfaction with the excessive optimism displayed by the promoters in this and other, unspecified, aspects.
3. He then said that his company's tender was now getting on for 8 months old and that the indecision was causing them planning and staffing difficulties. Unless a firm indication was given by the end of the month that the project was to go ahead Costain's "would have to put it on ice" by which he meant, I believe, that the Company would pull completely out, resuming only when/if a firm decision to proceed is made.
4. The Tunnel is of course being discussed by the Minister in Hong Kong now, and the need for a speedy decision is, as I assured Mr. Sowden, well appreciated. But I think it might be worth telegraphing the gist of Mr. Sowden's remarks, and I submit a draft telegram in this connection.
(P. M. HEWITT)
→
October, 1967.
!! Japologise for nee
мо
typing facilities.
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can cssue.
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7/10
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2
Event off file).
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