TNAG-0635-FCO40-783-Supplies-of-electricity-for-Hong-Kong-1977 — Page 52

CONFIDENTIAL

3.

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7.

b) the possibility that the organisations which sold, and produced the coal might be different, and the organization that bought mining equipment might be different too.

If so this would complicate any package deal of coal for mining equipment.

Having regard to all this I am inclined to believe option 5(c) would be the safest and least complicated approach (and in any scenario China Light will have to be assured of an alternative source to China on grounds of common prudence and because of the earthquake risk). But unfortunately it would be much the least attractive from point of view of HMG and Hong Kong.

8.

I would be most grateful for any advice you have to offer by telegram (repeated to FCO for Sir Peter Carey).