BACKGROUND
References:
CONFIDENTIAL
A
Mr Cooper's teleletter of 16 April; enhanced
co-operation with Japanese
B
FCO telno 375: HKD discussions with
Mr Miyamoto, 3 June
C Tokyo telno 491: Mr Paul discussions with
Japanese MFA on outcome of JLG
A 1. During a visit to Tokyo Mr Cooper Head of Planners in
April, the Japanese proposed that we should develop closer
links with the Japanese MFA on our relations with China over
Hong Kong to enable the Japanese to intervene helpfully with
the Chinese. Following this the Head of the China Division
of the MFA Miyamoto and his deputy Ishii visited London on
3-4 June for talks with HKD and FED. Subsequently Mr Paul,
HKD visited Japan (following his attendance at JLG XIX in
Hong Kong).
B
C
2.
The Japanese are particularly keen to educate the
Chinese authorities in the economic realities of Hong Kong
and the impact on business confidence of statements and
actions by the Chinese Government now and (by implication)
after 1997. Such action is very welcome and we are
encouraging the Japanese to proceed. It is important to avoid arousing Chinese suspicions that we are seeking to "internationalise" Hong Kong. But the Japanese have taken
this point well on board.
MTHAVQ/2
CONFIDENTIAL