TNAG-1258-FCO40-1591-Third-countries-and-the-future-of-Hong-Kong-1984 — Page 142

And it lighand said nothing

about the need to manitari confidance in teke, ou search for acceptable antione to the

talks etc?!

an

RESTRICTED

RECORD OF A COURTESY CALL MADE BY THE NEW

605)

Mr. Hoare Myi Mr Macces Mr Hum M. COPE.

pouts

MAURITIUS HIGH

COMMISSIONER ON THE MINISTER OF STATE AT 11.45 AM ON

16 NOVEMBER 1983

Mr Rifkind

Mr Martin

Mr Hunt

1.

î

A

Pani 1.

is

not

первые.

the to the Hunt. He confins that oh Ribkent it who respond on the Hi

25711 Mr.Morris

Present:

Mr Gian Nath

Is the inredment point in our

Mr Donaldson Guidance? What cd, Mr. Rift und

? Shd we do anythy

MAR

have

pocit.

2.

Dr. Sharystin (DPA H1.) stude

(a deamore!).

this? 231.1

Cr 231

مى

have drawn on! Mr Rifkind welcomed Mr Nath back to London and then asked where

the present emphasis was in Mauritian economic policy. Mr Nath said that it was to attract inward investment, particularly from

Hong Kong. The aim was to persuade those millionaires who were anxious to leave, to bring their money and managerial skills to

Mauritius.

A delegation would be going to Hong Kong on 21 November

to try to persuade them to do so.

ตุ

2. After a short discussion on the ethnic composition of Mauritius during which Mr Nath said that he did not foresee there being any communal problems, Mr Rifkind asked about constitutional developments. Mr Nath said that it was hoped to move to Republican status on

27 December if the Government could command the necessary three quarters majority, but the MMM might oppose the Government. They were known to be unhappy about the role to be given to the President in the Republic; in their view he should be more than a figure head. Sir Seewoosaqur Ramgoolam, the President designate, was physically

frail but still very alert mentally.

3.

Mr Rifkind asked what were the present priorities for the new Government. Mr Nath said that the new Government would be doing all in its power to sell Mauritian goods abroad in the hope of reducing unemployment below the present level of 20%. Mr Nath confirmed that Mauritius was having difficulties with the EEC on sugar, caused in large part by increased French sugar beet production which was affecting prices and demand.

The meeting ended at 1200 hours.

East African Department

22 November 1983

RESTRICTED

XKK040/5

RECEIVED IN REGISTRY

28 NOV 1983

DESK OF

INDEX

PPUISTRY

Lion Taken

↑ CM2/12