EMBASSY OF THE REPUBLIC OF KOREA
4 PALACE GATE
LONDON W8 5NF
16 July 1990
Dear
Tony,
Proposal for Republic of Korea defence Office in Hong Kong.
Further to our correspondence on this matter, my Authority of course fully understands that, in 1997 or thereabouts, when our diplomatic relations with China will have been normalised, we shall be able to talk directly with the Chinese about this, as you suggested in your letter.
The reason for this further enquiry is to re-emphasise that our Government wishes to open a Military Liaison Office in Hong Kong, rather than a fully fledged Defence Office.
We understand that the U.S.A. is opening such an office mainly to support and to extend guidance to United States' servicemen in transit through Hong Kong. We wish to carry out exactly the same mission, i.e. to help R.0.K. servicemen in transit, and to seek co-operation with the Hong Kong authorities when they transfer power to China.
I have been directed to do this in co-operation with MOD in Britain, but you may feel it is more appropriate to liaise with the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.
I would appreciate your guidance on this, and thank you for your help.
Yours sincerely,
дк
YOON Jong-Ku Captain, ROKN
Defence Attache
P.S. I should mention that in Korea,
all such matters are entirely under the control of Minister of Defence,
Hence my instructions to raise this Matter, rather than going through the Foreign Ministry. I hope this offers some explanation as to why I am thus troubling you!
Wing Commander Bell MRAES RAF Head of FLS MOD
Metropole Building Northumberland Avenue London WC2N 5BL