Mr Gillmore
23/12
102,
CONFIDENTIAL
P.A) 3rd Cty revelf't
HKD 243/7
From:
Date:
лда
w
1.5α= N29/12
910
NĄ
RJT McLaren
23 December 1988
Mr Ratford
Cc:
Mr Smith, ECD (E) Mr Cooper, FED
Mr Richards, SAD Mr Colvin, SEAD Mr Hum, HKD
سلمو ستا
62231
BILATERAL DISCUSSIONS ON ASIA : BONN : 16 DECEMBER
1.
I attach the records of Mr Richards' and my discussions with my German opposite number and his colleagues on
16 December. I asked Mr Noble to prepare in final form because of the holidays. Even so, they only arrived (by Fax) at lunchtime on 23 December (the Chancery in Bonn is very shorthanded at present).
2. As will be clear from the records, which are in summary form, we spent most of the time on Afghanistan and Cambodia, having agreed beforehand that these were the main operational topics. On Afghanistan, Dr Zeller made it clear that there was likely to be political pressure in the FRG to issue some kind of statement to mark the completion of Soviet withdrawal on 15 February. I pointed to the possible disadvantages. . It seems likely, however, that others among the Twelve will take the view that 15 February should be marked by some form of common statement.
3. There was also some discussion about the possible withdrawal of Missions in Kabul. We will need to contact the Germans again after Lord Glenarthur's planned meeting on 5 January.
4. We had a useful exchange on Cambodia and Vietnam. You will note the German apology for their inability to give public support to our change of policy on Vietnamese boat people in Hong Kong.
5. We also spent some time on Burma. The Germans seemed robust on the need to maintain pressure on the present regime.
6.
The record of discussion on Taiwan is not as clear as it might be, and is incomplete. FED will wish to know that I enquired, as briefed, whether the Germans had had any difficulties with the Taiwan authorities in establishing their visa operation. The answer was that they had not. They had, however, had representations and even threats from the travel agents, who were deprived of business as a result of the setting up of an office in Taipei. We may face similar problems.
CONFIDENTIAL
17.