TNAG-0625-FCO40-773-Trade-missions-to-UK-from-Hong-Kong-1977 — Page 62

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Reference. NIKKIS

Mr Stewart

HONG KONG: SHIPPING GROUP DELEGATION TO THE UK

1. You asked me to consider whether we could add to the arguments in BTC Hong Kong CREDA telegram No 75 of 2 May in favour of a fuller programme being laid on for Mr Newbigging's delegation than appears at present to be planned.

2. Mr Kinnear's telegram is evidently one in a series about the delegation's visit to the UK. I think we must assume that he will have made the most of the point that given the efforts of the Hong Kong Government and business community, manifested, for example, in the establishment of the Joint Study Group, to try to increase British export opportunities in Hong Kong it is up to the departments concerned in Whitehall to do their best to reciprocate. I would not wish to suggest that this point has not already been registered in the DOT/DOI. I thought that the DOI did well during Sir Lawrence Kadoorie's visit (though I have been less impressed with the follow-up action) and Mr Roberts himself is, of course, well seized of the need to lose no opportunity to gain more British business in Hong Kong.

3. I doubt therefore whether there is anything we could add to Mr Kinnear's telegram which Mr Roberts is not already aware of. On the other hand, it might be helpful to him in his dealings with higher authority in the DOT/DOI if he were in a position to say that the FCO had expressed interest in the visit by the shipping delegation and support for Mr Kinnear's proposals regarding their programme. You may like to have a word with Mr Roberts along these lines.

3 May 1977

icf. Meill

D F Milton

Hong Kong & General Dept K 247

233 4381

P.A.

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I have spoken to a Robents. He

will consider what if

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any

help we

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Jeeles

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