TNAG-0666-FCO40-815-Applications-for-visas-to-Hong-Kong-from-Vietnamese-1978 — Page 6

5.

(b)

(c)

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3

I would not envisage going out of my way to tell the Chinese about the "fifth" man for the unofficial trade office. But I would certainly tell them if they asked or made general enquiries about Vietnamese activities here.

I was not clear what you meant by the réference to two representatives from the Ministry of Foreign Trade. As I understand

it we allowed two to come here in Üctober (they actually came in November) and have just agreed that a further two should come. I do not think we have ever refused any. If you were thinking of the time limit placed on the first two, then the answer must be that we have to consider carefully whether those concerned have a good reason for staying as long as they request. If we allow them to stay longer than seems reasonable for the business they have in mind, we finish up with what is, in effect, an expanded trade mission. That is something we wish at

present to avoid.

I hear that you will be here on leave in January. If you can spare the time I look forward to discussing these subjects in detail with you then.

CC

(D C wilson)

JA B Stewart Esq OBE

Hong Kong & General Department PCO

RC Samuel Esq

Far Eastern Department

FCO

A M Simons Esq

South-East Asian Department FCO

P J L Popplevell Esq

PEKING

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