GR 195
noted.
зо
Ry: Plans 30. 18-1-78..
CYPHER/CAT A
+
CONFIDENTIAL
118
HKK 345/2
38
PA
Y NO. 51
REGISTRY on Takerf
FM HONG KONG 300851Z
CONFIDENTIAL
TO ROUTINE F.C.0 TELNO.1306 OF 30 DECEMBER 77.
Mo R
YOUR TELNO.992: REPRESENTATIVES OF NORTH KOREA IN HONG KONG.
1. WE HAVE NO KNOWLEDGE OF ANY COMMERCIAL REPRESENTATIVE HERE AND WOULD EXPECT TO KNOW IF ONE WAS ACTIVE. INDEED, SO FAR AS WE KNOW, THERE IS NO ONE IN HONG KONG TRAVELLING ON NORTH KOREAN PAPERS, ALTHOUGH IT IS POSSIBLE THAT A NORTH KOREAN COULD SLIP IN USING OTHER PAPERS. NO NORTH KOREAN VISAS ARE ISSUED IN HONG KONG AND WE HAVE NO KNOWLEDGE OF ANY PLANS TO DO SO. TRADE AS HONG KONG DOES WITH NORTH KOREA TENDS TO BE CONDUCTED
VISAS ARE THROUGH NORTH KOREAN TRADING COMPANIES IN MACAU, ISSUED BY THE NORTH KOREAN CONSULATE IN CANTON.
SUCH
2. ONE LOCAL CHINESE PAPER HAS CARRIED A SPECULATIVE REPORT ABOUT NORTH KOREAN PLANS TO ESTABLISH AN 'OFFICIAL TRADING COMPANY' IN HONG KONG. THIS, AND THE SOUTH KOREAN CONSUL- GENERAL'S QUERY ABOUT THE ARTICLE, ARE REPORTED IN THE POLITICAL ADVISER'S LETTER OF 24 DECEMBER TO SLOANE IN SEOUL, COPIED TO MASEFIELD IN THE FAR EASTERN DEPARTMENT.
3. GRATEFUL TO KNOW THE SOURCE OF THE REPORT REFERRED TO IN
YOUR TELEGRAM.
ROBERTS
FILES
HK & GD (5) FED
MR STRATTON
MR MURRAY MR POSNETT
CONFIDENTIAL