The Political Adviser
Government House HONG KONG
Cear Adusi,
B/7
BRITISH EMBASSY TO THE HOLY SEE
Via Condotti 91, ROME Telephones: 678 9462 – 679 7479
15 June 1990
нив 02617
RECEIVER
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1300
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CARDINAL BERNARDIN GANTIN
1. You might like to know that we have granted Cardinal Barnardin Gantin a visa for the colony, valid for two months from 1 July this year. He will be accompanied by Monsignor Robert Pung, a United States citizen.
2.
The Cardinal is Prefect of the Congregation for Bishops and therefore has great influence in appointing those who will be the future Princes of the Church. He is from Cotonou, Benin, is 68 years old (although he does not look it), and was created a Cardinal by Pope Paul VI in 1977. He is a very gentle individual who prefers to speak French but, having visited the United Kingdom on more than one occasion, he probably has some English.
The main purpose of this visit will be to visit Cardinal Wu, a seminarian classmate. He will also visit Mauritius and Singapore as well as Hong Kong, but on pastoral business.
3.
The above is for your information on the off chance that Cardinal wu invites the Governor to an occasion when Gantin might be present.
4.
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CC: Hong Kong Dept, FCO
P J McCormick
84
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