DRO
File
35
HKA 062/2
Foreign & Commonwealth
Office
Mr A Heath,
First Secretary (Commercial)
British Embassy
Washington.
Dess Heath,
London SWIA 2AH
Telephone: 071270-2651
25 Aug 92
Purchase by Hong Kong Government of Two S70A (BlacBhawk) Helicopters: Recovery of US Government Research and Development Recoupment
1. I enclose copies of correspondence from Hong Kong Government (HKG) requesting assistance with the recovery of the recoupment element of the cost of two helicopters which are being purchased from Sikorsky. Assistance has also been requested in obtaining a refund of recoupment in respect of a spare General Electric engine which HKG ordered direct from GE. (Woodhead's letter to me of 31 July 92 refers). Sikorsky have advised that the quickest way for HKG to obtain these refunds would be under the US/NATO agreement.
2. Following discussion with MOD (Martin Howard Sec (0) C), we believe that the best method of approach to the US authorities would be through the Defence Staff at the Embassy, and unless you or your defence colleagues see any difficulty with this I would be grateful if it could be put in hand.
3. Please let me know if you or the Americans require any further information or clarification about Hong Kong's purchase of the helicopters and engine. I am copying this letter for information to Martin Howard (MOD) and Geoffrey Woodhead (Security Branch HKG Secretariat).
Yours sincerely, Mal votare
Michael V Stone
Hong Kong Department