APPENDIX (1)
The programme:
BARRIE WIGGHAM/AUST PAGE 7
SYDNEY: Monday 26/2: 8.30.am: State Chamber of Commerce & Industry (NSW)
hosted by Mike Jones, Chairman, International Trade Policy Committee.
David Taylor, Executive Director of the Chamber, attended briefly. In all, some 15 members, including representatives of the tariffs and legal divisions of the Chamber and members of the two competing Chinese Chambers of Commerce in NSW (the first time members of these two Chambers had attended the same meeting for a number of years, according to Mike Jones).
This was the first briefing and questions ranged over most issues in a 90-minute session. There was clearly a degree of cynicism about the future of Hong Kong, and obviously some knowledge of the situation, but at the same time this knowledge seemed often coloured by personal experiences and there was only part comprehension of a complex situation.
reaction: Those present said the briefing was well worthwhile and many sought further information when the briefing ended. The Chamber, and in particular its Trade Policy Committee, would be a useful vehicle through which to disseminate further information. The Chamber is made up of smaller businesses - importers/exporters/ manufacturers/professionals, many involved in joint ventures or working through offshore agents.
SYDNEY: Monday 26/2: 11.am: Sydney Morning Herald (John Fairfax Group) hosted by John Alexander, editor-in-chief. Also present Warren Osmond, foreign editor, Yvonne Preston, senior special writer on Asian affairs, and Chris McGillion, leader writer.
Some rather naive questions, apart from Yvonne Preston, who was previously based in Peking. Osmond and McGillion seemed impressed by the concept of generational change in Hong Kong and the particular effect on younger people of the June events.
reaction: This is the establishment paper in Sydney and while it is going through some problems following an ownership change there is a need to develop contacts on a regular basis and to ensure an information flow to key journalists.
SYDNEY: Monday 26/2: 12.45.pm: Sydney Institute luncheon hosted by Gerard
Henderson. This is a right-wing think tank (a breakaway from the Institute of Public Affairs) recommended by Penny Wensley. Others present included Les Hollings, the Institute's deputy chairman and formerly editor of The Australian (now a columnist) and Max Walsh, television and newspaper columnist and part-owner of the Channel 10 commercial television network. Henderson is also a columnist (for the Sydney Morning Herald.
reaction: Questions were basically around where China and the leadership is heading and the outlook for Hong Kong. Obviously they had their own views but were prepared to listen and consider. We interested in the potential effect on Chinese leadership of recent events in Eastern Europe.
No comments yet.
Private notes are available after approval.