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As regards the Hong Kong Government, Elliott referred to the Ford Committee and said there were some signs (recent remarks by Sir David Akers-Jones) of a movement in favour of his scheme, although obviously these were early days. He thought the Hong Kong Government might not reach a decision until late 1988. Ideally Hopewell would like a signal by the end of this year.
I said that it looked an imaginative scheme and one which, if approved, would offer considerable opportunities for British companies. But the decision was one for the Hong Kong Government and we here would want to leave it to them to make up their own minds. Mr Elliott said he fully appreciated this. Hopewell would continue to direct their efforts towards the Hong Kong Government and sought only understanding from London.
When I see the Governor later this month I shall ask him what he thinks about the project.
Yours ever
Racy
PERCY CRADOCK
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