DIEU ET
Security
11.
and dining-room can cope easily with buffets of up to 50 or more, or cocktail parties up to 150;
(b)
The quite
and, as explained
it has style and is un-ostentatious. exceptional feature is the gardens below, they come at no cost to us;
(c) it offers an environment that is quite different from standard Hong Kong skyscapers, looking out over the Bay. Yet it is 15-20 minutes from downtown Central;
(a)
it is entirely secure: the complex includes four restaurants, an indoor pool, a supermarket and shopping mall as well as a shuttle bus to town (the Albany has none of these);
(e) it is offered on a private basis by the Kadoorie group and can therefore be defended against any accusation of extravagance; and
(f)
it could be the long-term solution for the C-G.
The series of recent shootings plus press reports of two violent attacks on inhabitants of houses on the Peak have made me (and others) question the wisdom of going for an isolated house. Certainly, 24 hour guards would be needed. The security arrangements in the Repulse Bay complex are the best I have come across in Hong Kong.
The Kadoorie angle
12.
The Kadoorie group constitute Britain's best customer in Hong Kong (perhaps in the region) after the Hong Kong Government. Relations with the BTC are uniquely close. I believe they have good reasons for wanting us in this flat. Firstly, at least two people are after it and I believe it will not be easy for the Kadoories to settle who of their own people might have it. Secondly, under the terms of the land grant they are not allowed to let the gardens: they will therefore
as
undertake to maintain them at no cost to us and for our exclusive use. And thirdly, they like the BTC and see us good for the prestige of the block. The other penthouse is occupied by the head of Inchcape who is also President of the General Chamber of Commerce: he has identical accommodation but without the garden.
Presentation
13.
The flat is offered to us at below the market rent and would be the the result of a non-commercial deal beneficial to HMG.
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