DAMAGE TO BRITISH COMMERCIAL INTERESTS
.....
Trade with China is growing and the balance of trade is in
China's favour. We want to maintain close commercial
relations. We see no reason why disagreement over
Hong Kong should to spill over into our broader bilateral relationship.
China wishes to join GATT, which of course provides that
countries should deal with each other without discrimination.
Senior Chinese officials have publicly denied that China would discriminate against British firms.
Appreciate British businessmen's concerns. We have a
responsibility to maximise British trade, but equally we have
a responsibility to do what we believe to be best for the
people of Hong Kong.
DAMAGE TO HONG KONG ECONOMY?
supps.3.12.PR.JRB
Essential for Hong Kong's economic success that its way of
life and legal system are maintained after 1997 and supported
by a Legislative Council that has been elected fairly and
openly in Hong Kong.
Chinese officials have said many times that there is no
connection between political and economic issues. Cannot believe China would want to damage well-being of Hong Kong
people.
Investors rightly taking the long view. Economic
fundamentals in Hong Kong excellent.
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