VISIT OF MINISTER OF STATE TO HONG KONG
STERRING BRIEF AND VISIT PROGRAMME:
Brief No./
Introduction
1 Your visit follows a period when relations have been put to the test by issues as diverse as the Nationality Bill, Hong Kong's increased share of defence costs, raising of students fees and the ever present spectre of the attitude towards the colony of the government of mainland China. (See Brief 2). These political problems have been exacerbated by the feeling of resentment over what is seen as the UK's protectionist attitude towards international trade in textiles (see Brief 7).
Resentment
from
is likely to be increased by our need to secure some measure of restraint in the volume of consumer electronics flowing the Colony. (See Brief 11).
However, overall relations remain excellent, reinforced by Lord Carrington's visit
in early April. It will be important during the visit to take every opportunity to
emphasise that the UK stands by Hong Kong; that the Chinese Government sees Hong Kong as a major contributor to the modernisation of the Chinese economy and that investors
should have confidence in Hong Kong's future. It will be equally important to emphasise HMG policies, why the Government is pursuing the course it is and the objective of securing leaner, fitter, more competitive industrial base. (Brief 4).
2
The essential Departmental purpose of the visit remains support for Cable and Wireless both in meetings with the company and the governor. (Brief 10). However, it will be necessary as appropriate to defend our position on textiles (Brief 7), to emphasise concern at growing exports of consumer electronics (Brief 11). These negative factors (in Hong Kong eyes) will need to be balanced by positive aspects of our relationship and references made in the context of our desire to continue to participate in Hong Kong's economic boom (Brief 3), to improve two, trade and investment (Briefs 5 and 6) and to refer to specific infrastructure projects such as Castle Peak B and MTR (Briefs 8 and 9).
Cable and Wireless: (Brief 10)
3 You are aware of the present delicate negotiations between C & W and the Hong Kong Government over a new franchise, and between C & W and HK Telco over new arrangements for international revenue sharing. The situation is developing rapidly but in discussions with the Governor the objective remains to emphasise importance of
securing outcome of the negotiations consistent with the C & W floatation.
China Light and Power: (See Brief 8)
4
Visit to Castle Peak B (and any other opportunities to meet Sir Lawrence Kadeorie and his colleagues) will present opportunities to applaud excellent progress with construction of Castle Peak A (credit it is due to all concerned). To welcome letter
1
No comments yet.
Private notes are available after approval.