TNAG-1951-FCO40-2779-British-capital-investment-in-Hong-Kong-1989 — Page 138

CONFIDENTIAL

STAFF IN CONFIDENCE

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[LETTER FROM LORD DERWENT : ROLE OF THE SENIOR BRITISH TRADE COMMISSIONER IN HONG KONG]

1.

I do not think that Lord Glenarthur would wish to get involved in discussing drafts with Lord Young unless absolutely necessary. I have therefore discussed the matter further with my opposite number in the DTI and he has spoken to Lord Young. There is one point on which I shall be minuting separately, but the upshot is that Lord Young has withdrawn his objection to the draft reply to Lord Derwent recommended by Mr Paul. He is, however, still attracted to the idea of creating some new highpowered position in London and DTI officials will be pursuing it.

2.

There is one further point. It has now been agreed that the appointment of Mr Peter Heap to succeed Mr Holloway as Senior British Trade Commissioner in Hong Kong should be announced there on Tuesday, 14 February. I attach a copy of a telegram from Hong Kong containing the text of the announcement which will be made. Given the nature of the correspondence, Lord Glenarthur may wish to give Lord Derwent advance warning of the announcement. This could be done by means of an addition to the letter. But Lord Glenarthur may prefer to have a word with Lord Derwent in the House of Lords or on the telephone. The points to bring out are, I suggest, those

Par sit

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in FCO Telno 38.

9 February 1989

DEE 1989

RJT McLaren

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PS/PUS

Chief Clerk Mr Gillmore Mr Paul, HKD

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Miss Marsden

Mr Wood TW 13/0

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CONFIDENTIAL

STAFF IN CONFIDENCE