ONE ONLY
00 GOVERNOR HONG KONG
GR 120
CYPHER/CAT A
FM D T 1 261500Z
CONFIDENTIAL
n.
NO DIST
PA
27/9
b see
27/9
HEIOD
FRD TRED
HKK 21/4
TO IMMEDIATE GOVERNOR HONG KONG TELEGRAM NUMBER CREDA 137 CF 26
SEPTEMBER.
FOR TRADE COMMISSIONER.
FOR ASTON FROM FARRY OPG.
YOUR CREDA 117 M T S.
(221
1. AT THEIR DISCUSSION WITH THE SECRETARY OF STATE LAST WEEK SOWDEN OF COSTAIN REAFFIRMED HIS COMPANY'S REJECTION OF THE TERMS SOUGHT BY THE STEERING GROUP WHILE WEIHSTOCK STRESSED THAT G E C WERE STILL ATTRACTED BY THE OPPORTUNITIES OFFERED BY THE SCHEME. WE HAVE TOLD GEC THAT HG HAS MO OBJECTION TO THEIR JOINING A FOREIGN BIDDER. 2. YOU CAN SAY TO HADDEN-CAVE THAT BRITISH GROUP ARE MEETING ITAL- IAMS TODAY TO DISCUSS POSSIBILITY OF A MERGER AND WILL EXPLAIN THEIR
POSITION TO THE STEERING GROUP BY FRIDAY 23TH.
DOUGLAS-HOME
copies to
Mr Youds
Sis D. Watson
PS Dr Rajk
27/9
( Copies
sent
Ayanda Jay lor.