You will know of
were invited on an ordinary basis we think it highly
likely that the Japanese would be more competitive
than our own firms. No bids of any kind have yet been
invited or submitted.
her
When the Prime minister saw Mr Fukuda on 8 May
the Prime Ministers he referred to the new power station project in Hong
bemarks tot Mr. Fukudy on on 8 may aboook the power struction project
Courtel. no 255 paru 3) and of thy Japanese Ambuistutors Subsequent
Conversation wigby Contazzi Cour
telegramus No 254
paru 4
Kong and the British interest in securing this business
He said that the British fims concerned were frightene
that the Japanese would undercut them on credit terms
or in other ways, and asked if Mr Fukuda could ensure
that any Japanese tender "did not cut any corners".
Mr Fukuda replied that he was not aware of this case,
and appeared to ask Mr Hatoyama to look into it.
Subsequently the Japanese Ambassador spoke to Cortazzi
(our telno 254).]
2
You should not take any initiative on this case,
but if the Japanese raise it with you, you should say,
as Cortazzi did to Kato, that HMG attaches the greatest
importance to British firms winning orders for new
equipment, particularly power generating equipment,
in Hong Kong, and explain the importance of the
"British dimension" in Hong Kong • You should not,
however, ask in terms that the Japanese Governrsat
should intervene with their own industry.
4
would
1
Grateful if
pproach he Jajana
o should be interested to tear or sur approach
pade to you by the Japanese Govern.out.
maysake to you.
3
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