COHANR
Rey Copy: Sittaspe
Reference.
A
7
Edwards
Legal Advisers
HONG KONG : 1986
H
THE LATE SIR SHIU-KIN TANG'S GIFT OF £1 MILLION TO HMG
:
As recommended by Mr Edwards (Legal Adviser) in para 2 of his minute of 10 May 1989 I have prepared the attached comprehensive catalogue of events subsequent to Sir S K Tang's gift.
1.
I
2.
Considering the sum involved, it is surprising how informally the matter was handled in Hong Kong. But I believe that the papers which have been unearthed are sufficient evidence of a charitable gift having been intended for us to proceed in our dealings with the British Council and the Institute of Cancer Research. (Sir S K Tang's letter of 10 March 1986 to FCO; Mrs Low's minute of 10 June 1986; Hong Kong telegram no 1931 of 21 June 1986 to FCO; Annex C (Sir SK Tang's will) to Leeks' letter of 27 April 1989; Hong Kong telno 4049 of 5 December. 1986; Leeks letter of 27 April 1989).
コ
3. I think that due attention should be paid to Sir S K Tang's wish to avoid publicity for his gift (Hong Kong telno 1377 of 7 May 1986 to FCO) particularly when giving a name to any trust fund which may
be set up.
4. With regard to arrangements for British Council to administer two thirds of the gift, I fear this could delay-progress considerably. I think it inevitable that a meeting with their representatives will be essential to sort matters out. My own inclination would be to go along with their ideas as far as possible (Davidson's (British Council). letter of 9 January 1989) but ensure that Hong Kong Department,FCO's prior approval is required for any major steps taken in connection with the Council's handling of the funds (Morris's minute. of 1 February).
The Institute of Cancer Research seem far more sensible and relaxed about how to set about handing over the managing the money, but I think we will need to meet them to ensure we both understand
5.
what we have in mind (Mr Briegel's (Institute) letter of 23 January 1989 to Mr Morris (HKD/FCO).
6. When we have agreed plans with both the British Council and the Cancer Research Institute we can have a word with the Charity
Commissioners.
1.
Grateful for your views on how we should proceed.
DOE 18-77
27 July 1989
OM O'Brien
Hong Kong Department WH311
270 3374