At one time it was being suggested that we might both rivo a large buffet or reception. This would have been much more than either of us could afford from our cllɔtancor, and the price of two would certainly have been her than the price of a combined party. We have therefore persuaded the Co mittee to lower their sights to one combined party They have asked that it should be a reception/ buffet after the evening performance on 10 March for selected artists from each of the three Companies ie London Philharmonic, Bristol Old Vic and London (de Ballet,
The total would be approxime tely with an approximately netching number of locals. 200.
Neither of our homes is big enough to hold such a party, nor would it be convenient to the guests since we are both sone way from the tow and neither of us has much parking space. So as is the Hong Kong habit for almost any large function - it woull have to be in town. The cheapest way of doing this is to have it at the Hong Kong Club where & rospectable, but by no means lush, effet could be done for K420.00 perhead for food only; with drink (not duty free) and supplementury charges etc added it would be approximately 32.00 per hozd giving a total of some 1K 6,400.00 or £450 (according to the rate of exchange).
It would be Even hell of this each is much more than Bridges or I can afford. 25% of my total allowances and (as I an arguing separetely, these are already inado urte for my ordinary representationel and commercial contact comitments). I could perhaps afford 250 frm my allowances asing the opportunity to ropey some hospitality (although most of the guests will be out of my normal, professional,
But £100 would not even do a run) and Bridges is prepared to do the same
rospociuble drinks party for this number and it could be better to do nothing at all time too little.
I wonder therefore whether you coulú agree to making a special grant, of say, £200 for this purpos0. Bridges is seeking a similar grant from the British Council
und.
It would of course be for this special occasion only and as a "ceiling' so fur as tha T0 votes contribution was concerned. Bridges and I would do our utmost to keep the costs down below the present estimate (although it is alrendy very consentive). Ií re excoded it then go far as my part is concerned I would be prepared to make up the balence, from my om allomance (1 recall that you mentioned that you right require that I should in any case contribute at læst 20% I could just about munage that but more would put me in difficulties). I would hope that this would not prevent the British Council from giving similat assistance to Fridges, otherwise it will not be provision mough; I repeat that I have bid for less than half of the estimetea cost of a modest party.
If you could let me have at least some indication of the cluaces by telegram in the very near future I should be grateful since the social programme is now being drven up and if we are going to have to say "no" (ana I hope we shall not would be very unpopular and misconstrued) no must do it very soon.
it
cc to J AL Morgen - Cultural Relations Dept
A Stuart HKIOD.
↑ Eston
Senior British Grade Commissioner
Thanh
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