TNAG-2019-FCO40-2881-Relations-between-Hong-Kong-and-Australia-1990 — Page 22

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8.

Ms. Wensley also accompanied me to a meeting with officials from the Department of Immigration and Ethnic Affairs which she had arranged.

Although I emphasised that I

had no brief to discuss the subject of immigration or any 'rescue package' I explained the problem of the brain drain and, as far as I understand them, the UK nationality

proposals. The officials seemed unenthusiastic (a point subsequently confirmed by Ms. Wensley) but discussed, mainly among themselves, the extent of flexibility that existed in

Australia's current immigration policies. (At a separate meeting I had with the British High Commissioner, Sir John Coles expressed himself very negatively about the likelihood of genuine Australian support. He feels that they are, quite blatantly, only after the cream of Hong Kong talent to serve their own purposes).

9.

Although all the emphasis of the visit was on the informal briefing format, which suits my own style and can I

think be of more lasting value than public presentations (I did only two formal stand-up speeches), the media eventually

caught up

with me - and I did four radio interviews, one TV

interview and a number of on the record press interviews

a well attended briefing at the National Press Club

(including

in Canberra).

*10.

I

reported at the time that the Chinese Embassy in Canberra were taking an interest in my visit (and passed on the information to the B.H.C. for transmission as necessary to

London). Their number two called on the Australian MFAT to

'check me out'

and to check on the Australian position on

Hong Kong.

11.

I was very pleased with Pearton.

As a former

journalist (including a spell in Hong Kong in the 70's) with

experience of big business (PR current political and economic

for Caltex) as well as his

contacts, he was able to