CONFIDENTIAL: COMMERCIAL IN CONFIDENCE
LORD PRIVY SEAL'S VISIT TO HONG KONG: 8 TO 10 JANUARY 1982
BRIEF NO 9: HONGKONG AND SHANGHAI BANKING CORPORATION'S BID
FOR THE ROYAL BANK OF SCOTLAND
(FOR PERSONAL DISCUSSION WITH THE GOVERNOR)
POINTS TO MAKE
1.
Monopolies and Mergers Commission Report with Secretary
of State for Trade. Should be published before end January.
2.
(IN STRICTEST CONFIDENCE) Commission have recommended
both bids be rejected. In practice Mr Biffen will almost certainly
accept the recommendations. Conclusions carefully worded to meet
Hong Kong's concerns. We shall however examine the Report as
a whole to make sure that it does not imply criticism of Hong Kong
or doubt about its stability.
3.
Any views?
CONFIDENTIAL: COMMERCIAL IN CONFIDENCE