9.
CONFIDENTIAL
In recent years there have been allegation that the Singapore Branch of the Moscow Narodny Bank has been investing large sums of money in Hong Kong besed companies for sinister purposes. It has not been possible to substantiate any deliberate attempts by the Russians to utilise this investment for political or intelligence purposes.
10.
The Hong Kong Government recently discouraged interest by Bank Mellie Afghan, the official bank of Afghanistan, in the establishment of a representative office in Hong Kong because it was assessed that such an office would be likely to be used as a cover by the Russian Intelligence Service.
Future Trends
11.
It is anticipated that the Sovbloc will continue to attempt to expand its legal presence in Hong Kong both at the diplomatic level and through commerce. Any increase in trade or shipping activities which can be achieved is likely to be accompanied by pressure for a relaxation of Government's restrictive visa policy. It is also likely that in future the Russians will attempt to make more use of third countries (e.g. Vietnam, Angola, Mozambique, Ethiopia, Afghanistan) to represent their interests here, or to provide cover for their own representatives to gain access to Hong Kong.
CONFIDENTIAL
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