TNAG-2663-FCO40-3859-Future-of-Hong-Kong-British-Consulate-General.-With-photogra-1992 — Page 72

J Morris Esq

Hong Kong Dept

FCO

British Trade Commission Hong Kong

HKD 406/1

4 December 1992

Was Jalan

Дал

灿

ACCOMMODATION FOR SBTC

1. As you will recall, it was agreed with the head of OED during my last visit to London that you and I would seek an agreement on the question of my future accommodation that would be acceptable to OED.

2. So far as the long term is concerned, correspondence rests with my teleletter of 23 November. An opportunity arose yesterday to resolve the short term problem in a way that will include a satisfactory option for the future C-G.

3. I was invited to consider taking over the lease of a unique penthouse maisonette (duplex) with garden that is currently occupied by Mr and Mrs Webb-Peploe. A former head of Shell in Hong Kong, he runs the hotels and estate operations of Lord Kadoorie. The flat and I will call it that for the purposes of this letter - was designed by and for him in a large development of four tower-blocks on Repulse Bay. The arguments are as follows.

Costs

4. Details are at annex. (Over a 12 month period it corresponds to a saving of approximately £8,000).

Curtains

5. The cost of my refurnishing would be low: the flat is in first-class condition and paintwork will be re-done. can be sold at negotiable price. Carpets would, I believe, be

included.

Timing

6.

The flat is available towards the end of March. That will permit three months notice to Swire Properties who own the Albany. The move could be timed to permit any costs to fall in either the current or next financial years.

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