REC
COVERING CONFIDENTIAL
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PS/PUS
16 MAY 1977
HKK 121/5+8/8.
HONG KONG: VISIT BY CHAIRMAN OF JARDINE MATHESON & CO LTD
1. Mr David Newbigging, the Chairman of Jardine Matheson, is leading an important group of Hong Kong shipowners on a visit to the UK with a view to seeing what opportunities there are for the placing of orders with UK shipbuilders.
The grouD arrived yesterday, Sunday 8 May and will be here until Thursday 12 May.
2. A programme has been laid on by the Departments of Trade
and Industry, and it is hoped that the visit will later lead to the placing of orders for ships with British yards. The visit, together with a visit by Hong Kong store owners and buyers, results from a concerted effort by the Hong Kong Government and Whitehall Departments in recent months to reduce the present imbalance of trade between Hong Kong and the UK. The group is a powerful one and if the missions are successful the members
have the authority to increase our exports to Hong Kong by a large amount.
D
3. You asked for advice on the Governor of Hong Kong's suggestion that the PUS might see Mr Newbigging for about twenty minutes
so that he can report to him on the outcome of his visit and discuss trade prospects generally (Hong Kong telegram no. 458 of
May). It would be worthwhile if the PUS could manage to find time. If Mr Newbigging were to see the PUS at the end of the sipowners' visit, this would mean a meeting late on the afternoon of Thursday, 12 May or on Friday, 13 May. If that is not convenient for the PUS it might be possible to find a gap
in the visitors' programme earlier in the week.
4. I recommend that the PUS should s ́e Mr Newbigging. I attach a biographical note on Mr Newbigging. If the PUS agrees to
see Mr Newbigging, I can provide a short brief.
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1.0.B. Stat.
Stewart
Hong Kong & General Dept
9 May 1977
CC:
lir Cortazzi Mr Murray
Mr Roberts (DOT)
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