Reference...... HKK 21/12
12
Mr.
Carter
I have drafted to ODM, with the primary copy to the Board of Trade, about Hong Kong's still outstand- ing CD&W applications for Kai Tak. I have adopted a somewhat whimsical tone but I think this can be forgiven. It is rather ridiculous that we should persist in this fruitless search for funds at official level when we know perfectly well that we shall not succeed unless at ministerial level the case is given a special political impetus. And all the time we run the risk of further MP's questions which we cannot continue to stave off on the pretext "that close official examination continues". I have therefore so drafted as to provoke early/and (negative) replies while leaving the way open for a last chance reference to the Minister.
12.
+bobble
Strictly speaking a CD&W application of this sort should go from FPAD to ODM and because this one concerns the Kai Tak Airport it should go to AMT. We did refer the first application briefly to AMT some time ago butto recover the papers before they had time to examine it. I see no purpose in submitt- ing the application to them again for further examina- tion.
With regard to FPAD I think we ought to show them the draft.
Mev
(H. H. Stewart)
31 July, 1969