SIPAAU
HK @ 026 /15
BECCIVE
FROM
R M Marsden
04SEP 1989
Hong Kong Department
DATE
: 29 August 1989
Mr MeLaren ren
S/Mr Maude
کا
Private Secretary
VISIT OF HONG KONG GENERAL CHAMBER OF COMMERCE, 11-12 SEPTEMBER
Problem
A,B 1. Dr Helmut Sohmen, Chairman of the Hong Kong General Chamber of
Commerce, has written to the Secretary of State and Mr Maude asking
if a delegation from the Chamber could call on them on 11 or 12
September. Both the Secretary of State and Mr Maude will be abroad
on the dates in question.
Recommendation
I recommend that the Secretary of State reply to both letters in
terms of the attached draft.
2.
Background
3. The Hong Kong General Chamber of Commerce (quite separate from
the British Chamber) is a highly prestigious and influential body which represents all the leading commercial interests in Hong Kong and is consulted frequently by the Hong Kong Government. Its role is more akin to the CBI than that of a regional chamber in the UK. The Chamber are sending a delegation to Britain on 11-13 September to discuss the situation in Hong Kong following the events of 3/4 June, with the aim of demonstrating Hong Kong's economic value to Britain and seeking to influence the passport/nationality issue. Their programme will include meetings with the CBI, the Institute of Directors, MPs and the DTI/BOTB.
EG
Page 105Page 106