TNAG-2243-FCO40-3224-Most-favoured-nation-status-for-China-impact-on-Hong-Kong-1991 — Page 90

Sir J Coles PS/Lord Caithness

Private Secretary

CONFIDENTIAL

22 MAY 1991

Suntary & State

FROM: A R Paul

Hong Kong Department

DATE: 22 May 1991

1

aquee

cc: Mr Burns, o.r

Mr Burns, NAD

Mr Davies, FED

Mr Bone, ERD

13

with Joh Coles pont.

Grefs

22/5

HONG KONG: MFN STATUS FOR CHINA: PRIME MINISTERIAL MESSAGE

Problem

1. Renewal of China's MFN status in the US either conditionally or unconditionally is still by no means certain. Should the Prime Minister send the President a message?

A

B

Recommendation

I recommend that the Prime Minister should send such a I submit a draft letter to PS/No. 10 and a draft message.

2.

Background

3.

Washington have recommended that the time has come for a Prime Ministerial message to the President. The Governor agrees. Washington believe that the President may make a decision as early as next week and although it seems clear he is minded to go for renewal, it is possible that the Administration may be considering making this conditional, in view of the strong opposition they will face in Congress.

Conditional renewal of MFN status could be almost as serious for Hong Kong as non-renewal, given the uncertainty

4.

BATALL

CONFIDENTIAL

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