TNAG-0422-FCO40-468-Construction-of-an-underground-railway-system-in-Hong-Kong-1973 — Page 140

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ہے

Royal London House, 16 Finsbury Square, London, EC2A 1ER

Telephone: 01-588 3215

Cables: Dashfinco London EC2

Telex; 885624

20/2/1

Dashwood Finance Company Ltd

L. C. Watson, Esq.

Overseas Projects Group

Department of Trade & Industry

Victoria Street.

London SW1

From the Office of

SIRDAR ALY AZIZ, Chairman

October 28, 1972.

cs.

HK

for Cistin. Im Esttrill ECSD

Miss Scent, crc, &

Dear Mr. Watson,

You will probably be aware of the statement made by Lord Drumalbyn in Hong Kong on 26th October, of which the relevant paragraph reads

But it is not only goods we export. It is also know how and expertise in project engineering. A recent splendid example of this in Hong Kong has been the Cross Harbour Tunnel contract. And now we have our eyes on the proposed Mass Transit Scheme, another major development where British experience and capability could be used to our mutual benefit. It was announced two days ago that a British Group had submitted a proposal in response to the invitation put out by the Steering Committee last July. It is a powerful group both in experience and resources and it is assured of wholehearted support from the British Government including the financial aspects. (End of quote.)

As will be recalled, the Steering Committee invited proposals to cover the Financial, Constructional and Operational aspects of this project, which could be submitted separately or in combination. The Minister's statement clearly implies support to a British Group on at least the constructional and financial aspects, whether the operational aspects were included or otherwise.

I am therefore compelled, in the light of this decision, to withdraw my interest at this stage from this Project since, as indicated in my previous letter, I would have no desire to cause any embarrassment to the British Government in view of the importance of this Project to the British national interest.

咒

/ The