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Mr Youde
Sir D Watson
COVERING SECRET AND PERSONAL
"My Stuart (HKIUD)
Mr
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2
The Crowson Dr Goodfellow &
6/1
PA
27.1
حمد
it's abortive draft, then
PIA AEX 4/12
д
Discussed with Sir D. Natur & agreed
that it comic be better not to write at
in
the prexat jus
motive
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Flags A
& B
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MASS TRANSIT SYSTEM
4/12
1. On reflection I think there may be a case for a fairly frank
letter to the Governor now.
2. The DTI are rather wearily investigating with the consortium
whether they can improve their financial offer. But, at least at
Under-Secretary level, they are beginning to question whether they
are being forced into another RB 211 situation where the contract
is not worth the risk. If they reach this conclusion they are
likely to throw the Prime Minister's instructions that we must get
the contract, back to us for political action. The contrast between
Mr Aston's telegram and the Governor's is particularly unfortunate.
They make it look as if the Hong Kong Steering Group itself was
satisfied but that Mr Haddon-Cave and perhaps even the Governor
himself are trying one further squeeze of the UK orange.
The
Governor will not like political guidance from officials. But
I think the sort of comments we have in mind must come from us,
since they involve assessments of the reactions of the Prime Minister
and other Ministers. In the absence of the PUS these must come from
Sir D Watson. I submit a draft letter accordingly.
leaves the MOD at 10 a.m. on Wednesday and arrives in Hong Kong
The next bag
COVERING SECRET AND PERSONAL
/on Friday.
No comments yet.
Private notes are available after approval.