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Further Development
CONFIDENTIAL
11. There are however a number of areas where we can go forward
with limited risk of arousing Peking:-
a)
plans are already advanced for the visit to the UK from 30
June to 5 July of a group of senior Taiwan industrialists at
the invitation of the DTI. I attach the delegation list:
they really are top people. The aim is to show them the
capability of British industry and get them into practical
discussion with their counterparts here. The Mission will
meet the President of the Board of Trade and the Chancellor
of the Exchequer, and attend a dinner at Lancaster House
hosted by Mr Needham. Unfortunately, a bid for them to meet
the Prime Minister was unsuccessful, but we are exploring the
possibility of a message from him. Although one or two of
the delegation hold government advisory posts, we are
treating it as non-governmental. The only difficulties arise
over Mr Chien, the Taiwan Representative here, who naturally
wishes to accompany the delegation on its calls, and the
Minister of Information, Mr Jason Hu, who "happens" to be in
London at the same time. I recommend that:-
- Mr Chien be invited to accompany the delegation
throughout. Both Mr Heseltine and the Chancellor have
trade/economic responsibilities, and Mr Chien would not be
calling in his own right.
- Mr Hu be invited to Mr Needham's dinner, but not the
Ministerial calls (since he is not a member of the
delegation).
SBTAIWAN
CONFIDENTIAL