TNAG-2248-FCO40-3231-Trade-investment-conferences-concerning-Hong-Kong-1991 — Page 135

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Mr Paul, HKD

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Martin Cues?

24/01

Sir John Coles

Date:

20 June 1991

CC:

Mr Burns

FED

1. Sir John Whitehead told me today that the Japanese Minister of Finance had recently put to him, on a personal basis, the suggestion that we might organise in Hong Kong a meeting of countries who were actual or potential investors in the Territory. The object would be to convey an implied message to China about the depth of international interest in Hong Kong's future. I believe that Sir John Whitehead may have put this idea to you as well.

2.

There would be some

It seems to me worth considering. danger of provoking Chinese charges of "internationalisation". On the other hand, the Chinese have a clear economic interest in future investment in Hong Kong and might, if we were careful, even be persuaded to attend.

3.

I should be interested in your views in due course.

The Burns

fohn Coles.

Sir John Coles

via

The Paul (HR)),

I would

be ready

to

found favour.

him if the general proposition

put it to

But his bread and butter is

conferencer ni

China. Y

Peking

he would

>

this proposed meeting appeared likely to be viewed amiss by

to

want to

be unlikely consider a conference i of reference acceptable to site also invited.

JC2ADY Some!

Something

he might do

however is to

invowe himself. What

which Chinlic Pficials participated & implying

thean

y

the

there

and to which Japanese and other RESTRICTED

idea is

Lines

Fermany'

to

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best

be taken any further, perhaps

Way

to proceed.

25/6

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