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HKK 3×5/2 RADAYLU IN MOON:
- 7 EEB 978
INGLIN
SCR 1/1126/69
忆
I C Sloane Esq
British Embassy
SEOUL
NO. ST
/ppri
his blitary str
کی
Cooper (19
RY
1..ken
as Sumsel or
24 December, 1977
Jinpi
RUMOURS OF A NORTH KOREAN PRESENCE IV ZONG LONG
You may like to know that on 28 November one of the Hong Kong Chinese papers, the, lisin Pao, published a report from "reliable sources" that North Korea intended to open an "official trade company" in Hong Kong.
2.
Pot surprisingly, the South Korean Consul-General came round to my office in short order to ask whether this report was true. told him that I had no knowledge of such an intention. I added that an official North Korean presence in Hong Kong would not only be unwelcome but was also unlikely since AMG had at present no diplomatic relations with North Korea.
3.
I have since checked here to see if there is any fire behind this particular column of smoke. Our Immigration Department tell me they have no knowledge of any proposal to establish a North Korean trade office here, nor have they had applications from any official to come here for such a purpose. So far this year they have received only one application from a North Korean (a Mr Kin Un-ryon, resident in Japan) to come here on a business visit. His application was refused. so far as we know, the only North Korean business activity in Hong Kong is conducted by individuals who contact the North Korean trade office in Macau. Special Branch have also heard a story (please keep to yourself) that the North Koreans have asked the Chinese to intercede on their behalf in opening a trade mission here similar to that of the Vietnamese (1.e. an unofficial trade office). The Chinese have not in any way approached us on the subject and will, I hope, not do so. Meanwhile, however, you may find it useful to know of this story in case the Koreans mention the subject in Seoul or in London.
}
lovever,
CC
(DC wilson)
PJL Popplewell. Esq (P&KING) JT Masefield Esq (FED FCO) CV Squire Esq (WASHINGTON),
CONFIDENTIAL