Exhibit 99.4
Cable and Wireless plc and Pender Insurance Limited commence legal action
Following an extensive internal investigation commenced last year into the operation of the Group’s wholly owned insurance subsidiary Pender Insurance Limited, Cable and Wireless plc and Pender have today (30 March 2004) commenced legal action against five companies and six individuals (of whom five are former employees).
Management do not believe that this action will result in any financial loss to the Group. As stated in the Group’s most recent annual accounts, from 1 April 2003 Pender began running off its old insurance claims and has not taken on any new business for non Cable & Wireless Group companies.
Cable & Wireless is committed to policies that will uphold high standards of integrity and transparency throughout the Group’s operations and protect the interests of its shareholders. The procedures to uncover and correct unauthorised management practices reflect that commitment to financial discipline and integrity at all levels.
Ends
Contacts
| Investor Relations: | | | | | | | |
| Louise Breen | | | Director, Investor Relations | | | +44 20 7315 4460 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| Virginia Porter | | | Vice President, Investor Relations, New York | | | | |
| | | | | | | +1 212 551 3563 | |
| Craig Thornton | | | Manager, Investor Relations | | | +44 20 7315 6225 | |
Media:| Lesley Smith | | | Group Director of Corporate & Public Affairs | | | +44 20 7315 4410 | |
| Peter Eustace | | | Group Head of Media Relations | | | +44 20 7315 4495 | |
