5
Man And
PERSONAL AND CONFIDENTIAL
barbarangdag.
BANGA
34
BRITISH HIGH COMMISSION
SINGAPORE
FCO
18 September 1972
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Donen
Could this be taken mits. Lots/ account please in the brazing for the sigst veive to Hong
Am
We Like. W
A A Acland Esq
MiCrayton
p.spk. мигаз
Dear Antony,
Kong. ce, Sendang ystaké
MR RIPPON'S VISIT TO HONG KONG
visu
2-1
1. During his visit to Hong Kong Mr Rippon had lunch with the Governor and officials of the Hong Kong Government, and a second lunch with the Unofficial Members of the Executive and Legislative Councils. I am circulating a record of the first lunch and Mr Rippon has asked me to record a number of other thoughts, of which he thinks the Secretary of State may wish to be aware.
2. In the first place Mr Rippon was profoundly impressed by the importance attached in Hong Kong to obtaining the contract for the mass transit system. It was made plain to him, by officials and business circles. that this would be a major feather in our cap if the British consortium succeeded, and a major blow if it failed. At present the prospects for success do not look all that good and Mr Rippon feels that it will be necessary to make a special effort, particularly on the question of the line of credit to be extended, if we are to overcome the strong Japanese challenge.
3. The second point was one raised at the UMELCO lunch. The point was made that Hong Kong is represented abroad by British Embassies and High Commissions, but that this can lead to conflicts where British interests, particularly commercial interests, do not agree with Hong Kong interests. Representatives of the Hong Kong business world asked whether it would be possible for Hong Kong to extend the range of her own commercial repre- sentation to such countries as Germany and Canada. Mr Rippon took note of this point and promised to draw it to the attention of those concerned in London.
4. Finally, Mr Riphon was struck by the gap which appeared to exist between the Hong Kong Government and the British Trade Commission in Hong Kong. The latter apnear to be kept in the dark about arrangements affecting British interests more than may be strictly necessary. Of course Mr Rippon would not wish to draw conclusions from what may have been isolated instances, but he would like to draw the attention of the Secretary of State to the need to maintain and develop a strong British trade
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PERSONAL AND CONFIDENTIAL
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