130
Reference.
Mr Gee-
plause
substitute this
to
file copy (building file)
Mr Whittle
HONG KONG CONSULATE GENERAL:
1.
trankes
TENDERS FOR THE MAIN PROJECT
You told me that there had been a disappointing response from UK firms. I mentioned this to Mr Ricketts who recalled the letters exchanged by Mr Needham and Mr Goodlad in September (attached). Mr Ricketts would be grateful if OED could consider drafting a letter from Mr Goodlad drawing attention to the latest state of play, to demonstrate that we are leading the horses to water even if they do not drink! He thinks it important to be able to demonstrate that the FCO did everything possible to bring the contract to the attention of British firms.
2.
I am sorry that I did not have a chance to discuss this with you before my departure on leave until after Christmas. If it is to be done, it should be soon. Could you let Mr Ricketts know what you decide? (John Morris will be away next week, John Woodrow will be here). It would be helpful if you could explain when and in what sense you will be submitting to Mr Goodlad about the tender process. (If it is soon, you might want to associate the letter to Mr Needham with it?)
CODE 18-77
Deborah Barnes Jones
Hong Kong Department WH 312
270 2068
17 December, 1993
cc Mr Woodrow
MUND
406/2
- 4 JAN 1994
Mrs Barnes Jones
Mr. Whittle rang
Е
number
Say
that there
has been a last minute msh and that 6 British firms had now put in bids He though that this was sufficient for OED's properes and that they would be submitting & Ministers. I said that they should do this before Mr. Goodlad's departure for HK In the meantini
Orefing. this has been mentioned in our In the event no foreign firms put
in bids.
Woodro 23/12