8
100
Mr
cok
020/11
HKB 020
Mr Stone
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Reference..
Thanks. I agree. You will have see Mr Morris's minute of 4 Dec. Now is not a good time politically
(vis & ws China) for high profile new
HKC / Singapore links
M
CLOSER COOPERATION BETWEEN HONG KONG AND SINGAPORE
13/Kii
1. You asked whether I had any views on the suggestion in paragraph 8 of Singapore telno 456 that Hong Kong and Singapore might get together jointly to promote both markets during Singapore's business promotion in London on 17 and 18 February 1992.
2. This approach must of course be tied in with the comments made in paragraphs 3 and 4 of the same telegram about Singapore's wish for closer relations between Hong Kong and Singapore.
3. As a general starting position, it can only be good for Hong Kong to have close and friendly relations with as many countries as possible. Until recently, Singapore has not been looked upon by Hong Kong as a particularly supportive and friendly country. There offering of 25,000 (?) passports to Hong Kong residents posť Tiananmen Square was not done with the main aim of anchoring talent in Hong Kong. It was to cash in on Hong Kong talent at a time when Singapore's labour market was tight. But times have changed, and Singapore does appear genuinely to want Hong Kong to succeed. While their motives should be kept under constent review, I think we should assume this is a genuine posture.
4.
Set against this, Hong Kong needs to be careful of two factors: internationalisation; and overstepping the mark in its relations with other territories.
Hong Kong is not responsible for its foreign relations. But it is responsible for its economic and trade relations. Hong Kong is setting up a series of economic and trade offices around the world and Singapore is indeed high on the list for such an office. (Check the file). The areas of cooperation mentioned by Mr Lee Kuan Yew and others are all in the economic and trade side.
As such there might be no objection from China to Hong Kong cementing closer links. But forging close links at the political level might be more difficult to sell to the Chinese. Participation by a foreign government in the new airport might also raise eyebrows north of the border.
5. As regards the specific suggestion in paragraph 8, I think this merits careful thought. My immediate reaction is that it could seem odd for Hong Kong to be participating in a ministerial led Singapore trade mission. I would need to know more about the contents of the proposed visit to London
CODE 18-77
ALKABW
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