CONFIDENTIAL
-3-
HONGKONG AND SHANGHAI BANK BID FOR THE ROYAL BANK OF SCOTLAND
9. The bids made by the Standard Chartered Bank (SCB) and the
Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation (HKSB) for the Royal
Bank of Scotland Limtied are now being examined by the Monopolies
and Mergers Commission. Sir P Haddon-Cave appeared before the
Commission on 6 August to give evidence on the relationship
between the HKSB and the Hong Kong Government and related matters.
Commission's report is not expected until January.
10.
FCO has taken no position on relative commercial merits
of two bids. Our concern to ensure that HKSB is not discriminated
against on grounds, such as its alleged non-Britishness, which
might harm UK/Hong Kong relations. Also need to avoid any
suggestion in Commission's report that either HKSB or Hong Kong
itself has an uncertain future.
VIETNAMESE REFUGEES
12.
11. About 15,000 refugees in Hong Kong awaiting resettlement.
Does not include sizeable group who entered Hong Kong illegally
after resettlement in China and who are to be repatraited to China.
UK quota of 10,000 agreed at Geneva in 1979 has not yet
been completely filled. Hong Kong is anxious that UK commitment
should continue so that other countries, especially the USA, maintain
their resettlement programmes to reduce the numbers of refugees
still in Hong Kong.
13. Mr Raison reiterated to Sir P Haddon-Cave on 8 September that he
saw no prospect of a fresh quota. There was some discussion of the
possibility of maintaining a minimal flow by other means (eg by
drawing on the family reunion system) but no conclusion was reached.
Hong Kong and General Department
8 September 1981
CONFIDENTIAL