CONFIDENTIAL
GOVERNOR BY THE SECRETARY OF STATE FOR TRADE AND INDUSTRY.
YOU SHOULD NOT, HOWEVER, REFER TO THIS POSSIBILITY, NOR
SHOULD YOU MENTION IT IN DISCUSSION WITH SIR DOUGLAS
CLAGUE OR OTHER INTERESTED BRITISH PARTIES.
I RECOGNISE THAT THE LETTER FROM THE BRITISH GROUP STILL
DOES NOT GIVE THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT ALL THEY WANT
AND THAT THERE MUST STILL BE A RISK OF THEM DECIDING
TO NEGOTIATE WITH THE JAPANESE ALONE. IF YOU GET WIND
OF ANY SUCH DECISION, PLEASE REPORT URGENTLY.
OPG ARE CONSIDERING WHAT SHOULD BE SAID PUBLICLY ABOUT
THE COMING TOGETHER OF THE BRITISH AND ITALIAN GROUPS.
WE WILL LET YOU HAVE GUIDANCE SHORTLY.
2
Page 135Page 136