TNAG-0964-FCO40-1183-Air-services-between-the-UK-and-Hong-Kong-1980 — Page 200

or to its exclusion, they have added a second British

carrier to the route. The reasons given by the Civil

Aviation Authority do not bear examination for one

minute. We would not be better served by an airline

that proposes to use the smaller DC 10 rather than the

Boeing 747. The CAA has completely ignored the pattern

of traffic, with peaks on both sides of the week end

and dips in mid week. One rather suspects the decision

was political, savouring of colonialism.

Cathay was encouraged to buy UK equipment.

They specified that their 747s should be powered by

Rolls Royce engines: so far, I am informed, they

have invested £70M in Rolls Royce engines to that end,

and plan to invest £10M a year on other UK equipment.

This was in furtherance of reciprocity.

I think I ought to say that sentiment is a

delicate flower. We are a large market for British

goods. We have consciously fostered the sentiment of

buying British. We believed in the good faith of

Britain. The decision of the Civil Aviation Authority

casts some doubt on whether Britain sincerely practices

what it preaches. I can only hope that wiser counsel with

now prevail, lest sentiment withers.