TNAG-1740-FCO40-2456-Relations-between-Hong-Kong-and-the-UK-Parliament-1988 — Page 85

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FROM: PS/LORD GLENARTHUR

DATE: 6 May 1988

CC:

PS/Mr Eggar

Mr McLaren

Mr Cooper, FED

Mr Bacon, PRU

Hom

Mr Hám, HKD

HONG KONG: SIR JULIAN RIDSDALE MP

1.

Sir Julian Ridsdale MP called on Lord Glenarthur yesterday afternoon, having been unable to attend the drinks for Parliamentarians on 27 April.

2. Lord Glenarthur (who was most grateful to Mr Cooper for his timely minute) opened the discussion by thanking

Sir Julian for his efforts in arranging the reception of Mr Takeshita at the Speaker's House, and for looking after the accompanying Japanese MPs. He welcomed the prospect of more regular meetings between British and Japanese

Parliamentarians.

Sir Julian said that Mr Takeshita's visit

had evidently been successful. Mr Hasegawa, an old friend, had told him that the two Prime Ministers had got on well, and that Mr Takeshita had been pleased with their talks. Sir Julian added that it would be important to establish regular contact with young Japanese Parliamentarians, as long term investment.

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3. Lord Glenarthur then steered the conversation towards Hong Kong, which clearly ranks below Japan in Sir Julian's list of priorities. He explained our thinking on representative government and the Basic Law. Sir Julian said that he had seen the Governor fairly recently, and had made a couple of visits to Peking. His general feeling was that things were going well. The pendulum in China was always liable to swing, but he was optimistic about the future of Hong Kong. It was important for us to maintain a close dialogue on this and other subjects with "other friendly Asiatic powers" such as Japan and Pakistan.

4.

Sir Julian also noted the considerable extent of Taiwanese use of Hong Kong as a channel for trade with China. Lord Glenarthur said that our own political relations with Taiwan remained a sensitive issue with the Chinese, although we were building up commercial links. Sir Julian agreed about this sensitivity. He said he continued to resist invitations to join the numerous pro-Taiwan groups.

Mind Mowaway

David Reddaway PS/Lord Glenarthur

6 May 1988

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