CONFIDENTIAL
M
Sir J Coles minute below
PS
CHINA: MFN
мич Mais orde
FROM:
DATE:
Cc:
A R Paul
Hong Kong Department
7 May 1991
PS/Lord Caithness
Mr Burns
Mr Burns, NAD
Mr Davies, FED
Mr Bone, ERD
Problem
1. How to protect Hong Kong's interests against a possible ending of MFN for China.
Recommendation
2.
I recommend that we take action quickly on three fronts: with the Americans; with other friendly Governments with an interest in Hong Kong; and with the Chinese. I submit a draft telegram on the latter. FED, ERD and NAD agree. We
will continue close liaison with HKG.
Background
3. President Bush is to decide on MFN extension on 1 June.
Assuming that he decides in favour Congress and the Senate
have 30 days in which to decide whether to block an extension; if they do so the President can veto. A veto can be overridden but only by a two-thirds Congressional
majority.
DUNAFS/1
CC
CONFIDENTIAL