RESTRICTED
Mr Ricketts
PS/Mr Patten
VOLUNTARY REPATRIATION OF VIETNAMESE MIGRANTS
Reference.....
396
1.
PS/Mr Patten asked for advice about the attached letter from Ms Gail Tate of Tate Aeroservices which seeks Ministerial endorsement for her bid for a contract to supply aircraft to transport returning Vietnamese migrants under the Voluntary Repatriation Programme. The same letter has been sent to a number of FCO departments.
Mr Woodrow has been in correspondence with Mrs Tate and forwarded her letter to Mr Clinton Leeks (the Refugee Coordinator in Hong Kong). Subsequently, the AS (Security) HKG replied to Mrs
2.
Tate.
3.
I have also spoken to Mr Godfrey (SEAD). He said that he has had some dealings with Ms Tate before regarding air-traffic rights and referred her, through the Hong Kong Government Office in London, to the Civil Aviation Department in Hong Kong. He understands that she is seen in Hong Kong as a bit of a pest, and tends to fire off intemperate letters.
4.
As HKG and UNHCR who administer the repatriation programme are aware of Mrs Tate's proposals, I do not think it appropriate that the Governor-Designate should involve himself in this matter. Also, to offer to one company Ministerial endorsement would prejudice open competition
CODE 18-77
SB. Haukni
Dr S D Harkin
Hong Kong Department
WH 305
270 3287
19 May 1992
ce.
Mr. Godfrey, Seat)
RESTRICTED
Wilma, Pl.
Alm. Ja Jals
I suggest
two-line ack hom you noting
and Hal
the letter, Mrs Take has already
received an answer from MKG to similar letters sent to the FCO.
Zebatts"//