we had the capability to behave, when we wanted, in the manner in which the French behave in their colonial territories, and,
indeed, the Chinese might expect us to
behave as well. Here, our track record
of consistent orders by CLP, securing the
Mass Transit, First Harbour Crossing, etc
were important in sustaining the illusion. For, in reality, Hong Kong would be
interested in the cheapest option going.
This inflated view of what the British
Government might do was dependent upon
all parties at least adopting a consistent line, or, at least, creating the illusion
that unless the UK had its cut of the
action, we might act to frustrate the
project. Hence, the French needed to be
satisfied that the scope for linking into
Hong Kong demand was real, and that CLP
had the pre-eminent role.
In parallel, through Hong Kong, there were
technical studies taking place, again
with UK experts on loan where necessary,
on the range and selection of sites, initial safety studies etc. And the Hong Kong Government instituted an appraisal
of the financial viability of the project using the costs of alternative coal-fired
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