Sir J Coles PS/Mr Goodlad
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From: CO Hum
M Machi 7/2 Melis
Ms Barnet Joves cc:
Date :
8 February
16
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Mr Davies, FEd
Mr Ricketts, HKD
Mr Wye, RAD
HiCD 021/2
RH
12 FEE 1993
VISIT TO JAPAN
IN
1. I visited Japan between 1 and 4 February as part of a familiarisation tour to countries in my command. A few hours were spent in Osaka and Kyoto, the rest of the time in Tokyo. My programme included discussions with the Consulate-General in Osaka and with each section of the Embassy; talks with Gaimusho officials responsible for Europe, Asia, North America and economic affairs; and less formal encounters with academics and Diet members, Japanese journalists and British businessmen.
2.
The Embassy has already reported the main points that arose. This minute summarises a few impressions.
3.
The Ambassador and I reviewed bilateral relations over dinner with Nomura, the new Director-General for Europe. I outlined our ideas on a possible new scholarship scheme: there was general approval but some hesitation over financing. Our exchange over
timing for a visit by the Prime Minister did not simplify matters: the Japanese see difficulty over a visit tacked on to the G7 summit, and September scarcely seems better. There was a hyper-cautious reaction to my account
of our thinking on possible ways of tackling the prisoners of war issue. It is not easy to see where we go from here. I registered the point that the Prime Minister continued to take a close interest in the problem, and would expect officials to report back to Mr Miyazawa and himself if progress came to a halt.
4.
With the Director-General for Economic Affairs the Ambassador and I ran over the full range of outstanding bilateral commercial problems, laying particular emphasis on the need for Japan to continue structural reform and take measures to increase imports and foreign investment if the growing trade surplus was not to become a political problem.
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