MTHAFL
*
CONFIDENTIAL
BACKGROUND
1.
M Bariani visited Hong Kong in July 1987 as part of a tour
which included Malaysia and Indonesia. On his return to France he
announced that, with 1997 in mind, a certain number of Chinese managers working in French companies in Hong Kong were worried about the future of the territory. He added that it was desirable that France should be able to grant these people French nationality if
they wished. Our Ambassador in Paris took up these remarks, pointing out the damaging effect they could have on confidence.
Bariani took the point. He said he understood the importance of
maintaining confidence but he had had to respond to pressure put on him by French firms in Hong Kong who had about 100 local Chinese
managers. The firms were worried that in conditions of uncertainty
some of their best and most expensively trained people would leave
for places such as Australia and the USA. His offer had been designed to provide reassurances so that skilled workers would be
able to continue working for French firms in Hong Kong. While there
is no need to raise this specific point again, it would be worth
reiterating in general terms our concern about the overriding need
not to weaken confidence in Hong Kong.