SECRET
26 FEB 1990
Sexton State
A
1/RM
FROM:
ス
Miss Marsden
DATE:
1/5
RECEIVED
DESK
INDEX
HKCB 020 /13
COLLAR 1990
Y
Mr McLaren
PS/Mr Maude
265
Private Secretary Mr Maude is content.
Sys to see
Heaves 27/2
HUNGARIAN TRADE OFFICE IN HONG KONG
CC:
R M Marsden
Hong Kong Department
22 February 1990
PS/Mr Waldegrave
Mr Weston
Mr Broomfield
Mr Tait
Mr Hulse, EED
Mr Browne, PUSD
1. The Secretary of State has asked why the Hong Kong Government are unwilling to allow the Hungarians to open a trade office (your
minute of 20 February). We have consulted the Governor and Peking
B,C on the latest position (Hong Kong telnos 624 and 660 and Peking
telno 281).
A
D
2.
The Hong Kong Government have traditionally taken a very
restrictive attitude to travel to Hong Kong by Soviet and East European nationals. Until recently only a handful of visas were issued to such visitors at any one time. This policy has been dictated largely by perceived Chinese sensitivities about a Soviet and East European presence in Hong Kong which could be used for intelligence activities directed against China. The Hong Kong Special Branch has also been reluctant to give greater scope to
Soviet and East European intelligence agencies.
3. On the other hand, the Hong Kong Government recognise that they
have suffered certain economic penalties as a result of their
restrictive visa policy. Last Autumn the Hong Kong Government
therefore reviewed their visa policy and decided to relax it in
MADAEU
SECRET
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