green green grass of home, page-13

re: sorry boys beijing aint gunna happen Had an interesting conversation with an extremely senior international telecom man, one who has the ear of the Alexander Downer.

To cut a long story short, it takes years and years and years of mistake free diplomacy in Asia with Members of the Government, Suppliers and ohter influential people ..... and trying to figure out who exactly makes the decisions.

The Asians are an industrious lot who have a culture that so far, Australia hasn't been able to tap into. (BHP, you might say ..... I hear different!) Their culture of absolute trust cannot be shaken, even in the most minor of ways, they will still smile and nod, but transgress only slightly and you're out! They've had thousands of years doing business and dislike our arrogant attitude. A little known fact apparantly, and one that we haven't mastered.

They are also experts at copying!

Got me to thinking about the trust issue with MP up on charges. From what I can gather, I believe QTK's plight in this area is irretrievable.

Goodnight wally's!