TNAG-2600-FCO40-3788-Appointment-of-Chris-Patten-as-new-Governor-of-Hong-Kong--Ap-1992 — Page 57

RESTRICTED

Mr Ricketts

PS/Mr Patten

VOLUNTARY REPATRIATION OF VIETNAMESE MIGRANTS

Reference.....

396

1.

PS/Mr Patten asked for advice about the attached letter from Ms Gail Tate of Tate Aeroservices which seeks Ministerial endorsement for her bid for a contract to supply aircraft to transport returning Vietnamese migrants under the Voluntary Repatriation Programme. The same letter has been sent to a number of FCO departments.

Mr Woodrow has been in correspondence with Mrs Tate and forwarded her letter to Mr Clinton Leeks (the Refugee Coordinator in Hong Kong). Subsequently, the AS (Security) HKG replied to Mrs

2.

Tate.

3.

I have also spoken to Mr Godfrey (SEAD). He said that he has had some dealings with Ms Tate before regarding air-traffic rights and referred her, through the Hong Kong Government Office in London, to the Civil Aviation Department in Hong Kong. He understands that she is seen in Hong Kong as a bit of a pest, and tends to fire off intemperate letters.

4.

As HKG and UNHCR who administer the repatriation programme are aware of Mrs Tate's proposals, I do not think it appropriate that the Governor-Designate should involve himself in this matter. Also, to offer to one company Ministerial endorsement would prejudice open competition

CODE 18-77

SB. Haukni

Dr S D Harkin

Hong Kong Department

WH 305

270 3287

19 May 1992

ce.

Mr. Godfrey, Seat)

RESTRICTED

Wilma, Pl.

Alm. Ja Jals

I suggest

two-line ack hom you noting

and Hal

the letter, Mrs Take has already

received an answer from MKG to similar letters sent to the FCO.

Zebatts"//