CONFIDENTIAL AND PERSONAL
On presentation, we have instructed the Trade Commissioner, if
asked to comment, to say we are disappointed, though this had to
be a local commercial decision; the United Kingdom Government
remain confident that the Anglo/Italian Consortium made a highly
competitive offer. We have, however, always been aware that
on the civil engineering side the competing groups had still
to receive all the technical information which both the Italian
and British firms concerned deemed necessary if they were to
commit themselves to a fixed price within the ceiling set by the
Hong Kong Government.
It is, of course, possible that the detailed negotiations may
yet break down, and I have asked my officials urgently to consider
how we might most effectively gain something for the UK by helping
UK firms to secure sub-contracts on the mechanical and electrical
side even if the lead for the whole job does go to the Japanese.
I will keep you informed.
I am sending a copy of this minute to the Chancellor of the
Exchequer and to the Parliamentary Under Secretary at the
Foreign and Commonwealth Office.
Department of Trade and Industry
1 Victoria Street
London SW1H OET
14 December 1973
Dejall
PW
CONFIDENTIAL AND PERSONAL