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being Prime Minister Andreotti and a European Parliament delegation which recently visited Peking. Foreign Secretary also raised the issue with Foreign
Minister Qian in New York. Qian provided some
information on the names on the list of human rights
cases of concern and promised further details.
The
Lord Young may raise with the Prime Minister Cable & Wireless business interests in Hong Kong. Through their
subsidiary, Hong Kong Telecommunications, they have two
exclusive licences to run local telephone services
(expiring in 1995) and international communications
(expiring in 2006). Their Hong Kong operations
contribute about half of Cable and Wireless world-wide
group profits. The Hong Kong Government is currently reviewing its telecommunications policy and, in common
with many countries including the UK, is considering liberalisation and/or stricter control over profit
levels, and access to systems. No decisions have yet
been reached, but the Governor has given a personal
assurance to Lord Young that the Hong Kong Government
does not intend unilaterally to terminate the franchises
in advance of their expiry dates. If Lord Young asks that HMG keep an eye on this major contribution to the UK
balance of payments, the Prime Minister may wish to say
Hong Kong recognises the excellent service provided by Hong Kong Telecom but needs to keep policy abreast of
international developments.
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