TNAG-2016-FCO40-2871-Relations-between-Hong-Kong-and-Japan-1990 — Page 21

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RECORD OF A CALL ON MR MCLAREN BY YUKIO SATO, DIRECTOR-GENERAL, PLANNING BUREAU, JAPANESE MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS, 15.00, 30 NOVEMBER 1990

Present

Mr McLaren

Mr Bond, FED

Mr Sato

Mr Asari, Japanese Embassy

1. Mr Sato began by expressing his satisfaction at the week's UK/Japan Pol/Mil talks. Time had been short but he was glad of the opportunity for such discussions. He handed over a copy of a recent speech by Richard Solomon (US Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs) which, he said, fully reflected his own views on Asian security in the 1990s. Mr McLaren said he awaited a full report on the talks with interest. Mr Sato said that he would soon be having talks with Soviet and Chinese counterparts. Mr McLaren remarked that given the frankness of the Soviet planning staff in recent exchanges with the UK, these should be interesting.

2.

Mr McLaren thanked Mr Sato for the proposed $50 million Japanese contribution to UK expenses in the Gulf, while noting this would only meet one week's operational costs. Mr Sato remarked that it was his personal view that the figure was too small but had significant symbolic value.

3. Mr McLaren had been impressed on his recent trip to Japan with the extent to which the fate of the UN Peace Cooperation Bill dominated his discussions. The MFA were understandably concerned about US reactions especially if hostilities commenced and there were US casualties. Mr Sato noted that although there was no question of a Japanese change of policy the Japanese public's first thoughts if hostilities commenced would be for their own hostages. In this respect politicians had failed in their attempts to go beyond constitutional questions and impress on the public the serious effect of a Gulf War on Japan.

4.

Mr Sato looked forward to a busy year ahead on Asia/Pacific questions. The amount of progress would depend on whether proposed visits by Mr Bush and Mr Gorbachev went ahead. The Japanese wanted to act as catalysts in this area and would keep the UK closely informed of developments, but initiatives from others would be welcomed.

5. In response to a question from Mr Sato, Mr McLaren outlined the position in the Cambodian peace process. Permanent Five had achieved all they could at present.

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