HKC040/4
Ret
1 SEP 1990
619
преструкт
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to T. Liding barn / Me Free FROM:
Ho W. Cooper, Plann
A R Paul
14
per brida
Hong Kong Department
DATE:
5 September 1990
CC:
Mr McLaren
Mr Burns
HONG KONG: "THINK TANK"
1. Mr Yaxley mentioned to me in passing the other day that. an informal "think tank" on Hong Kong had recently been formed by Mr Nicolas Wolfers of the Midland Bank.
2.
He said that the membership of this group consisted of Charles Watson (Hong Kong Bank); Phillip Snow (author of various books on China, ex-employee of the Sino-British Trade Council); David Weeks (Bow Group); Michael Yahuda (academic and broadcaster); and John Yaxley himself. It seems that Mr Yaxley was one of the prime movers behind the formation of this group, the aims of which, although somewhat vaguely defined, appear to focus on the need to promote a better understanding of Hong Kong and its problems through lobbying of MPs, businessmen etc. Mr Yaxley also mentioned the idea of the group stimulating an annual report on Hong Kong under the auspices of Chatham House.
3.
I would not like to pre-judge the usefulness of this group, although my instinctive feeling is that it will do little good and possibly some harm. I think we should certainly try to find out more from Mr Yaxley about its intentions and activities. I also propose to try to find time to make contact with some of the individuals mentioned above, possibly over lunch, with the aim of finding out what they are thinking and, where appropriate, channelling their thoughts in a helpful direction.
"R210%
Miss Marsden Ms
s Major Pmina
10/9
ARIE
A R Paul
We need to find out more about this group,
as you mapped. TC+3 5/9
ALDAFD
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