TNAG-0466-FCO40-531-Hong-Kong-s-interests-in-EEC-capitals-1974 — Page 72

Mr

CONFIDENTIAL

Reference... HKK 6/598/2

fart (European Integration Dept (External) E 111)

Au Hayne

RECEIVED I

RIGAY Ne 37 -YJUL2974

REPORT BY MR WATT "SURVEY OF HONG KONG'S INFORMATION AND PUBLIC RELATIONS EFFORT IN EUROPE"

1.

Mr Watt has produced a useful report following his visit to London and tour of EEC capitals. A copy is attached.

2. I doubt if you will have time to read it through, and in any case this is not necessary, but you may like to look at the summary of recommendations on pages 34-37 and possibly also at the conclusions, which begin on page 30.

3.

The summary and principal recommendations at Appendix 1 page 38, is also useful.

4.

,

Mr Watt's recommendations are in fact very much on the lines he discussed with us on his return from the EEC capitals. We would not differ from them. The point to which he attaches top priority is the establishment of new co-ordination machinery within the present Hong Kong Information Services Department. The current lack is something to which we have drawn the Hong Kong Government's attention. Mr Watt estimates the cost at HK$ 400,000 (£35,000). To my mind, without such a unit no effective Hong Kong information effort in Europe can be achieved.

5. Secondly, Mr Watt argues that the improvement of Hong Kong's image can best be achieved through Hong Kong's established offices in Europe, namely the Countyfor Hong Kong Affairs in Brussels (and the Hong Kong Government Office in London), and the Trade Development Council offices throughout the area, especially in Frankfurt, Milan and Amsterdam. He also sees a minor role for the Hong Kong Tourist Association. Mr Watt envisages staff increases amounting to HK$ 350,000 (£30,000) in the second priority, and a further HK$ 375,000 (£32,000) as third, fourth and fifth priorities, according to location. None of these

mwe3393 recommendations should give the FCO any problems at all

and should prove effective in achieving Hong Kong's aims. Neither, I believe, would we disagree that, provided the new co-ordination unit provides suitable press material, this could be disseminated through British Embassy Press Sections in the region. This should not be other than a routine task.

6. As a final major recommendation, Mr Watt proposes both inward missions from the EEC countries to Hong Kong and missions from Hong Kong to the EEC of persons who could put across Hong Kong's image.

7.

Other ideas include putting more effort into establishing contact with press representatives of the major European media in London, liaison with EEC Consulates in Hong Kong, particularly in respect of VIP visitors, and the provision of Government film in connection with Hong Kong Tourist Association promotions

CONFIDENTIAL

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