TNAG-2179-FCO40-3116-Hong-Kong-nationality-international-support-1990 — Page 140

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Mr Morris Mr Payl

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RECEIVED IN REGISTRY

HONG KONG ASSURANCES: INTERNA APPROACH

1.

27 MAR 1990

DESK OFFICER

REGISTRY

ONZ SUPPORT: SOUTH AFRICAN

INDEX

PA

Action Taken i

I consulted SAFD for thewigac ws-on whether there was any

e merit in lobbying the South African Government on the possibility of a scheme of assurances for Hong Kong.

2. SAFD view is that the South African Government would no doubt cooperate and would probably even welcome the chance of involvement. However to involve them could prove to be counter-productive. South Africa is still an international "pariah" and if it became known, the issue would be raised at the United Nations. Other countries who are already cooperating or looking into ways to help might shy off if South Africa were seen to be active in the same exercise.

3.

In the circumstances I see little further to be gained in pursuing this idea. SAFD are sure that our Embassy in Cape Town will be of the same view.

as

Ja

J K Hague

Hong Kong Department

27 February 1990

ра

p/%

3

Mr Myharen

Mr Mande

2575

I think the

7

potentiel disadvantages f aw approach to

Pretoria

outweigh the advantages.

TOYABZ

CONFIDENTIAL

No 23/2