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1.

2.

I agree with the advice in this submission.

As a result of the long-standing policy described in paragraph 2, there are at present no Missions from Communist (or former Communist) countries in Hong Kong, apart from a Cuban Consulate-General, which was established before Castro came to power, and a very small Vietnamese Office, which has no consular status. The arguments for maintaining the old restrictive policy are fast being undermined, to the extent that they are still valid at all. There is indeed much to be said for establishing the most comprehensive foreign representation possible in Hong Kong before 1997. But I think it would be best, given Chinese sensitivities, to proceed in a measured way, starting with easier access for Hungarian (and other East European) businessmen who want to visit Hong Kong to pursue trade opportunities.

23 February 1990

Cc:

PS/Mr Maude

Mr Tait

Mr Hulse, EED

Mr Browne, PUSD

Miss Marsden, HKD

MC9ABE

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витри

RJT McLaren

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Miss Marsden, HKD

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