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We
4. This has remained our position, and that of the Hong Kong Government and BTC Hong Kong, since then. reaffirmed this in mid-1985 following the unfortunate incident of the reference to Hong Kong contained in the medium term strategy document on inward investment which the Northern Ireland IDB published in May last year (our telegram no 619 to Hong
Hong Kong). The IDB subsequently apologised for the report's unfortunate wording on Hong Kong.
5.
More recently IBB consulted us at the end of last year on the North of England Development Council's (NEDC) proposal to expand its regional activities in Hong Kong. Following our meeting with NEDC representatives on 11 December 1985 we confirmed that we had no objection to this expansion provided NEDC's profile in Hong Kong remained a low one.
6.
year.
Our concerns remain very much as they were last The IDB's activities might seriously embarrass both HMG and the Hong Kong Government if there is suggestion of
agressive promotional campaign in the territory.
an
is any
We would much prefer it if they would continue to channel their commercial publicity through BTC, who we believe are better placed than any private PR company to present the IDB's case in the local market.
7.
We appreciate that your power to compel the IDB to toe the party line may be
may be limited, particularly as we understand they do not receive a DTI subvention. But we would be grateful if you would use your influence (perhaps via the Committee on Promotions) in an effort to restrain the IDB from undertaking the very unwise independent PR effort in Hong Kong upon which they appear to be set.
と
sucers,
Clise Hum
CO Hum
Hong Kong Department
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