TNAG-1806-FCO40-2567-Chinese-interest-in-the-Hong-Kong-Civil-Service-1988 — Page 24

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Foreign and Commonwealth Office

London SW1A 2AH

RD Clift, CMG

Political Adviser

Government Secretariat

HONG KONG

CONFIDENTIAL

30 March 1988

De Dust,

CHINESE INTERESTS IN HONG KONG CIVIL SERVICE

1.

NIT

Thank you for your letter of 2 February, and the copy of Eric Ho's letter of 16 December 1987 to David Ford. I am sorry that we have been slow in replying, in part because the enclosure had to follow after your letter.

2.

I agree that it would be preferable to steer Chinese curiosity on civil service matters towards HMG. A dialogue with you in Hong Kong in this sensitive area would certainly run the risk of being misunderstood.

3.

The Secretary of State mentioned the subject of exchanges on civil service matters to Wu Xueqian on his recent visit to the UK. Wu seemed interested, and FED have in mind raising the subject for some kind of round table discussion with the Chinese. Because of staff changes in FED action cannot be taken immediately, but they will keep the question in view.

I have asked FED to keep you informed of any further developments.

4.

Cc:

FED

と

сал

CO Hum

Hong Kong Department

Miss Alyson Bailes, Peking

CONFIDENTIAL