CONFIDENTIAL
views on the tactics for implanting this idea in the minds
of the Executive Council. Most probably this would best
be done on a Government to Government net but timing will
obviously need to be carefully considered. One
possibility might be to wait until the Japanese and the
Mass Transit Authority are locked in difficlt negotiation.
If, for instance, the Japanese were seen to be wriggling
over the price both sides could conceivably welcome some
kind of UK participation.
Another tactic altogether might be to try to work this one
through Jarine Mathesons though I would not wish you to
make any soundings without consulting us again. We should
need to have tied up the arrangements very closely with
GEC-Elliott Automation at this end.
indeed none of the
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A third method of approach which could well be used in
parallel with either of the other two
tactical approaches is mutually exclusive would be to
tackle the Japanese in Tokyo. As you know, we have the
beginnings of a dialogue with them about participation
in projects in third countries. A discussion of
participation in this project might be fitted into this
context. ECGD also have had a number of indications from
their Japanese opposite numbers that they would be
relieved to see the UK insuring some of the risk. On
this we would welcome the advice of Tokyo to whom I am
sending a copy of this letter with a copy of your letters
to me.
They have, I think, enough background otherwise.
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