TNAG-0936-FCO40-1155-Visit-of-Norman-Fowler--Minister-of-Transport--to-Hong-Kong--1980 — Page 87

IN CONFIDENCE

ATTITUDE TOWARDS THE SOVIET UNION AND THE EASTERN BLOC

1979

15. On 3 October the Daily Telegraph reported that, during the Comprehensive Test Ban Talks in Geneva, the Russians had officially requested that 10 electronic listening posts designed to monitor underground nuclear tests be established in Hong Kong, the Falkland Islands and the United Kingdom. The request was made in response to a United States request for a similar number of posts in Russia. The newspaper commented "There can be no doubts whatsoever that Whitehall will refuse to allow spying by the so-called seismic stations in an area as small and as sensitive as Hong Kong"

16. Although it is unlikely that the subject will be raised, the Minister and party may wish to be aware of the

following points.

17. 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 applica- tions 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.