TNAG-2245-FCO40-3228-Bank-of-Credit-and-Commerce-Hong-Kong-Limited-(BCCHK)-1991 — Page 46

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the ease with which a solution might be found. That is not, of course, a decision in which the Government can or should seek to intervene. As has been explained on numerous occasions, the Banking Act gives the Bank of England exclusive responsibility for decisions on the authorisation of banks in the UK and it would be improper for us to seek to influence the use of their statutory powers.

We are

I have also seen the press reports of your recent trip to Abu Dhabi and your suggestion that a Foreign Office Minister should visit Abu Dhabi urgently. Our Embassy in Abu Dhabi is, of course, in regular touch with the Government there. continuing to consider the possibility of sending a Minister to the UAE and will do so if we feel it will be helpful and appropriate. The Governor of the Bank of England has of course, as you know, already visited Abu Dhabi himself.

I am copying this, with your letter, to the Foreign Secretary and to the Governor.

Keith Vaz Esq MP

M.