TNAG-1779-FCO40-2539-Hong-Kong-international-telecommunications-1988 — Page 35

CONFIDENTIAL

British Embassy

3100 Massachusetts Avenue NW Washington DC 20008its oik

Telex Domestic USA 89-2370/89-2384

Telex International 64224(WUI)/440015(ITT) Telephone (202) 462-1340

Mr Robert Priddle

DTI

Head, Telecommunications Division

Room 501

1-19 Victoria Street

Direct Line (202) 898-4582

33. Mr Stykę

Your reference

Our reference

Date

17 June 1988

5/7

London SW1H OET

Dear Robot

CABLE AND WIRELESS (HONG KONG) / MEETING BETWEEN FCC CHAIRMAN PATRICK AND

POSTMASTER GENERAL (HONG KONG)

1. Keith Bernard (C&W) told me yesterday that a recent meeting between the Postmaster General (Hong Kong) and Chairman Patrick had been quite acrimonious. Apparently, Patrick had gone into the meeting "fired up" about C&W's activities in Hong Kong. I enclose some background notes which Keith has given to me.

2.

Patrick's staff (Bill Kirsch) had contacted me before the visit to see if we could help arrange what was characterised as a courtesy call on the Postmaster General. My colleagues in the Hong Kong Office here in the Embassy duly obliged in setting up the meeting. Naturally, I asked Kirsch about the agenda and was told that there were no specific items and that the Chairman merely wanted a general discussion. Kirsch remarked that the Chairman's main business was in Tokyo and implied that the Hong Kong visit was to be very much an "add-on". This seems to be another example of peremptory behaviour by the FCC in the international arena, and I dare say State Department would be none too pleased if they knew.

3.

Keith Bernard is at a loss to explain what prompted the Chairman's sudden outburst, but C&W are clearly concerned. He believes Gerry Brock is rather embarrassed by the incident and is trying to play down Patrick's behaviour.

4.

I shall be out of the office next week, but I shall see if I can find out more when I get back.

Best Wishes

Yours sincerely

Lidd

Dr R Horton

First Secretary (Technology)

CC: Minister (Commercial)

23/28/6

Mr Allcock

CONFIDENTIAL

347

г.....