CONFIDENTIAL
British Consulate - General
(156)
ET MUS
HK8020/17
Dr J E Hoare
British Embassy PEKING
Dear Jim,
RECENT EVENTS IN SHANGHAI, JUNE 1989
1.
244 Yong Fu Lu
People's Republic of China
Telephone: KAMX 330508 Telex: 33476 BRIT CN
Telegraphic Address: Britain Shanghai
1 July 1989
34"/7
Mis Marplen Mr Wordqui
Mr Cay/non "1/2 /1/1
Many points inappropriate for the despatch I sent the Ambassador on how things have looked from here, should be recorded before the details fade from memory. The headings for these notes are rough. I have had no time, in some cases, to do more than sketch a topic. Those remaining in Shanghai during the summer may be able to expand on them.
2.
The departure arrangements went smoothly. At times I was concerned we could have been criticized for not attempting to lay on special flights to the UK or Hong Kong. However commercial flights plus the room made available on the special Qantas flight provided enough seats. We found our population here and in Jiangsu and Zhejiang was larger than we expected, probably closer to 170 (we will provide a more accurate estimate later).
3.
At a meeting on Thursday night with returned members of the British business community, a number of people were critical of the lack of clear guidance from us on what they should do. In some cases this stemmed from problems they are now having with local organisations who may be seeking compensation for economic damage caused by the departure of foreign partners. I took a firm line on the inability of HMG to give legal advice or to take for others decisions which they and their companies ought to be able to take for themselves. The fact that we did not feel at any point that we had to tell all British subjects that they should leave Shanghai was in itself a form of guidance. But I emphasised that individual contact was the best answer. gave a lot of it and one of our critics at the meeting acknowledged that our advice had been sensible. I also had to tell people rather firmly that they could not expect me on the spot to give advice which would not clash with the exaggerated fears of relations in the UK who were influenced by exaggerated reports in the media.
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CONTUDENTIAL