TNAG-0766-FCO40-970-Supplies-of-electrical-power-for-Hong-Kong-Castle-Peak-power-1978 — Page 83

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2.

3. However, the Minister said nothing about a "three way deal"; he was not asked about the sums of money involved for coal purchases; nor about the potential for mining equipment sales. Concept of two separate orders each of dollars 300 million is unknown to us. Suggestion of a

deal being signed in November was not raised during the briefing: indeed Mr Dell's name was not mentioned at all. (As you know there have been no developments on this since the Ministerial meetings.)

4.

Line you̟ have been taking in dealing with press enquiries is entirely correct. You spoke well, yat)

5. (For Peking). In view of your telno 44 please assure Ministry of Foreign Trade that story did not originate from official sources here.

We remain anxious to conclude a deal but would

ko

want to publicity until agreement has been reached.

6.

It would be helpful to know how accurate the AP figures on the value of the order are.

7. The fact that the story was carried as front page news by the Communist Press in Hong Kong is interesting. Do you think that this might indicate any official blessing from Peking?

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