TNAG-0936-FCO40-1155-Visit-of-Norman-Fowler--Minister-of-Transport--to-Hong-Kong--1980 — Page 133

IN CONFIDENCE

ATTITUDE TOWARDS THE SOVIET UNION AND THE EASTERN BLOC

8. The Hong Kong Government maintains a strict watch on

Soviet Union (and its East European satellites') activities

designed to obtain influence in Hong Kong. Visa applications by

citizens of the Soviet Union and of East European countries

are refused, and each application by a Soviet ship for admittance

to Hong Kong harbour is scrutinised as the case arises. The

Hong Kong Government is concerned not to give an official

"Line-to-take" on its attitude towards Soviet shipping, or indeed

on its overall attitude towards the Soviet bloc.