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are inhibited from doing so directly by Mr Aston's request
that we protect his source. We have mentioned signals from
the Japanese in previous telegrams. We can perhaps conceal
the origin of our question without falsehood by referring to
signals once again.
6.
7.
I submit a draft telegram accordingly.
I also understand from the DTI that Mr Walker is increasingly
concerned about the Hong Kong Government's handling of the whole
question. He apparently takes the view that we will shortly have
to tell Hong Kong that they must not give the whole business to
the Japanese, no matter what the deficiencies of the British bid.
I think we need to put the record straight now before there are
further misunderstandings. The important thing for the DTI is
to put together a British bid. Once this is in and has been
accepted as valid all things will be possible.
8.
for
But if we try to insist on Hong Kong accepting a partial
or total British bid which is not "valid" in their terms
example which does not accept the concept of a ceiling price
and rejecting a Japanese package which has been made to meet
their requirements in all respects, then we shall be in for
substantial constitutional trouble in Hong Kong; and also
internationally, with Japan and the other consortia, with
charges of unfair competition. There is a tendency both in the
DTI and in GEC to believe that in the last resort we can rescue
their bid for them. Both to avoid misunderstanding and to
3.
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/ensure