SA NHIIUNHL SPHUC CENTRE
To:
Mr R Northern
SEND
FCO
Reference....................
pa Nt1 14/3
33
sita
HKC03i
RECEIVE
15 MAR 1990
cc Mr Pryor
Mr Inglis
Mrs Darvell Sols
Mr Chamberlain FCO
Mr Hosker FRM (for info only)
ZE 258/015
From:
John Milne
BNSC
217-4287
21 February
990ESK OFFI
INDEX
ASIASAT
As agreed, I attach a draft exchange of notes covering the liability issue for the period up until separation of ASIASAT from the launch vehicle. I should be grateful of comments immediately as it is hoped these notes and the instructions can be despatched to Beijing today. May I leave it to you to draft the necessary background and instructions to the note ? It will also need to be copied to HK to keep them in the picture.
It is recognised that there is every likelihood the Chinese will seek a similar indemnity from the UK for the satellite for the period after separation and we would have to agree to such a request. Similarly it may be necessary to adjust the wording to take into account the "hold harmless" and the responsibilities of CGWIC and the ASIASAT consortium elements of the launch contract, particularly articles 4 and 18. However, rather than try to predict the Chinese response to the note exactly, I suggest we make no provision at this stage for these potential difficulties nor should they be mentioned in the telex to Beijing. It would be preferable to address these issues only if raised by the Chinese.
ych Milne.
půlne.
JOHN MILNE
-
CODE 18-77