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HKB020/14
1589
112603
MDHIAN 2825
(DISTRIBUTION AMENDED 11TH JULY)
Ext~+ PA
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FM DTI
TO DESKBY 1019OOZ WASHINGTON
TELNO OTTER 69
OF 101818Z JULY 89
FROM HALL OT2 DTI
140
YOUR TELNO 1787: CABLE AND WIRELESS INTEREST IN ASIASAT
SIR ERIC SHARP, CABLE AAND WIRELESS, IS SEEKING LORD YOUNG'S SUPPORT IN OVERCOMING US UNCERTAINTY (MENTIONED IN TUR) AS TO WHETHER TO
GRANT A LICENCE FOR THE USE OF A CHINESE LAUNCH VEHICLE FOR THIS
SATELLITE. C AND W SAY THEY HAVE TO MAKE A DECISION ON THE ALTERNATIVE, BUT COMMERCIALLY MUCH LESS ATTRACTIVE, POSSIBILITY
OF USING ARIANE LAUNCHER BY 14 JULY.
2.
WE ARE INVESTIGATING REALITY OF THIS DEADLINE, BUT MEANWHILE GRATEFUL FOR YOUR ADVICE (DESKBY 120900 PLEASE) AS TO WHEN US DECISION WILL BE MADE, THE ADVISABILITY OF ANY ATTEMPT TO INFLUENCE IT ON BEHALF OF C AND W AND, IF POSITIVE, HOW BEST WE SHOULD TACKLE THIS. C AND W CAPPARENTLY AS ADVISED BY THEIR REPRESENTATIVE IN WASHINGTON) ARE REQUESTING REPRESENTATIONS TO SECRETARY BAKER OR UNDER SECRETARY KIMMIT. THEY ACKNOWLEDGE THAT SUCH REPRESENTATIONS
MIGHT WELL BE MADE PUBLIC AND BE USED AS EVIDENCE IN CONGRESS.
3=
WE HAVE NOW MADE CONTACT WITH JONATHAN PHILLIPS (TP DIVISION) NOW IN WASHINGTON, WHO WILL ALSO RAISE INFORMALLY WITH HIS CONTACTS IN THE STATE DEPARTMENT.
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176
.CHINA POLITICAL
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FED
NEWS DEPT
INFO DEPT
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RESEARCH DEPT
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