TNAG-1876-FCO40-2667-Relations-between-Hong-Kong-and-Japan-1989 — Page 63

Wh/ Juper file

Hieb 020113

From the Private Secretary

Dear Bob,

CONFIDENTIAL

DIEU

ET MON

OROIT

10 DOWNING STREET

LONDON SWIA 2AA

FEJ 026/3

STAY

3-OCT 1989

EH 3/10

کہ اتا ہے

Millington,

(You have a

copy of

263

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this to recount

berts.

My 25% Dine

Miss Kokie Tues

Lee Sin J. Whitehead

J. (under agind

20 September 1989 17.

PRIME MINISTER'S MEETING WITH THE PRIME MINISTER OF JAPAN

The Prime Minister had a session of talks with the Japanese Prime Minister at the Akasaka Palace in Tokyo this afternoon, following which they did a joint television interview and went on to a working supper. The talks were very friendly and useful progress was made on the question of additional seats for British firms on the Tokyo Stock Exchange. The Prime Minister found Mr. Kaifu sincere, serious and well- intentioned, if rather lightweight.

Mr. Kaifu was accompanied during the talks and working supper by the Japanese Ambassador in London, Mr. Hayashi (Director- General of Economic Affairs, MFA), Mr. Togo (Director-General of European and Oceanic Affairs, MFA) and two other officials. All five of them took copious notes. H.M. Ambassador Tokyo was also present.

Introduction

Mr. Kaifu said that it was an honour to welcome the Prime Minister to Japan. She was the first Head of Government of the Summit Seven countries to visit Japan in his time as Prime Minister. It was a particular pleasure because he knew the United Kingdom well, indeed it was a favourite country for him. He had been a keen member of the UK-Japan 2000 Group.

The Prime Minister said that she thought her visit was timely. A great deal was happening in the world, which meant also there were great uncertainties. It was very important for the Summit Seven countries to keep in close touch, not just on economic issues but also the main political questions. There were also new problems to be faced, in particular the environment. She had read and admired Mr. Kaifu's speech of 11 September on this subject. She felt she was dealing with a friend, given Mr. Kaifu's long association with the UK-Japan 2000 Group, which had brought him at least twice to No.10 Downing Street.

CONFIDENTIAL