CONFIDENTIAL
As for the time schedule, it is generally expected here that a decision will be made within the next six months although, of course, there is no guarantee that this will be so. I agree that until this decision is made there is not much British firms can do in Hong Kong but they do know from the Consultants' report roughly the lines on which an und ›rground scheme is likely to operate here and there is surely much preparatory work that can be done now in the U.K. so that they are ready to make an offer (presumably a package offer)
soon as the opportunity presents itself.
J.K.Blackwell
Senior British Trade Commissioner
c.c. and enclosure to:
E. C. Laird, Esq.,
Hong Kong Department,
Foreign & Commonwealth Office.
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