TNAG-0116-FCO40-152-Departmental-Briefs-For-Meetings--Visits-and-Foreign-Affairs-1969 — Page 63

FAR EASTERN ECONOMIC

A: 601-600 MARINA HOUSE PORT OFFICE-DOX 180 HONGKONG

THE FAR EASTERN ECONOMIC, REVIEW : LIMITED

TELEPHONES: EDITOR 237334 - Marketing manaGER 224907 - GENERAL (5 LINĖS) 237081 - CABLES: REVIEW HONGKONG

July 30, 1969.

Dear Sirs,

BRITAIN IN ASIA SUPPLEMENT

Britain has played a larger part in shaping the history of modern Asia than any other Western nation. The withdrawal of its garrisons from East of Suez marks the last stage in the retreat from empire. The British are now seeking a new relationship with the region to be based primarily on an economic and business partnership. With Britain's considerable expertise in Asia, this development promises to be a fruitful one. In a special supplement or. Britain's changing role to be published on September 25, the Far Eastern Economic Review will examine in depth the way in which both Britain and the region are adjusting to.. the transition and will offer an authoritative evaluation of the contribution which the British businessman is making to Asia's development.

Provisional iforial Synopsis

1. Introduction by a senior British Government representative.

I

2. The Commonwealth in Asia: With India, Pakistan, Ceylon, Malaysia, Singapore,"

Brunei and Hongkong Asia's members of the Commonwealth, some 60% of the region's non-communist population still maintains direct links with Britains) Despite the stresses which have confronted the Commonwealth partners since's the war, member countries value the loose but significant association-between the former mother country and the old imperial territories. This article will analyse the changing nature of Commonwealth ties and their continuing de importance to an Asia which-looks increasingly, towards self-reliance in both the political and military spheres.”.

3. East of Suez The British Government has been compelled by domestic economic- problems to abandon its direct involvement in Asian defence. This article #:7 will discuss the impact of the military withdrawal on Britain's standing in //' the ragion, fs long-term implications for the Asian countries affected and the problems it creates for Asia as a whole with the US withdrawal from Vietnam and growing Soviet interest in the area. The article will also report on the measures adopted by Britain to cushion the economie difficulties which the military withdrawal will cause for Singapore and Malaysia?uk me 4. Aid to Asia: Britain has a long-established record of technical and financial

assistance to the region. A host of programmes ranging from bilateral" afa to' the Colombo Plan represent the British contribution to speeding development in Asia. With the changing nature of Britain's involvement in the region........... these aid programmes will in future represent the British Government's major commitment to stability and progress in Southeast Asia. This article wifi K examine Britain's success in maintaining aid levels despite balance of the payments difficulties, the changing strategy of overseas assistance and the success of major aid projects.

5. Investing in Asia: As the troops withdraw, the British investors are moving!

in. The search for new markets overseas has helped to stimulate British interest in direct participation in Asian economies. The old pattern of investment in-traditional industries like tea, rubber and minerals is Being “ balanced by a new realisation of the potential offered by manufacturing industries. This article will examine the attractions of Asia for British (`ospital, discuss the problems which foreign investors face in the region and

will analyse the future trend of British investment in leading Asian nations. 6. London Serving Asia: Asian businessmen still, rely heavily on Britain for Smal

variety of services. The banking facilities of London, its specialised shipping and insurance services and its efficient commodity markets have ensured that a large proportion of Asia's business is still closely connected with Britain. Devaluation of the pound did not destroy the usefulness or sterling as a reserve currency," even in the eyes of such non-Commonwealth' 720 countries as China and Japan. This article will review id depth the range of financial and commercial services which London puts at the region's disposal.