TNAG-2968-FCO40-4247-Future-of-Hong-Kong-British-Consulate-General-inclusion-of--1993 — Page 17

BY FAX

23 November 1993

HUD 406/13

RECE

2 3 NOV 1993

Foreign & Commonwealth

Office

60

INDE,

James Smith-Laittan, Esq

BTC

HONG KONG

London SWIA 2AH

Telephone: 071-

Dear Jumes,

CONSULATE GENERAL/BRITISH CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

1.

Discussion between Departments on what should constitute the basis for charges to the Chamber grind on. I enclose Alan Wootton's minute of 17 November setting out RFD's thoughts and my response of 23 November. This is for your information, we are aware of your views and I hope that I am reflecting them in arguing against the introduction of a "land value" element into the equation for calculating the Chamber's rent.

Sq 2.

37

I note from the Chamber's strategic plan "Preparing for 1997" that the Chamber puts aside HK$520,000 for annual rent up to the time for the proposed move after which it figures as an optimistic HK$100,000. That suggests to me that provided we can keep the sums down to 520,000 that might be enough to win the day.

3.

I am trying to move this debate along at a smart pace and will continue to keep you posted. But I do not wish to overdo it. Do not hesitate to let me know if you feel you are receiving too much paper on this subject.

Yours

ever,

Melbia

lt.lsmith23.NAT

JEB

Deborah Barnes Jones Hong Kong Department