TNAG-2360-FCO40-3431-Visit-by-John-Major--UK-Prime-Minister--to-Hong-Kong--Septem-1991 — Page 13

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CONFIDENTIAL

J S Wall Esq CMG LVO

10 Downing Street

THE PRIME MINISTER'S VISIT TO HONG KONG:

4-5 SEPTEMBER 1991

The Prime Minister can expect a warm welcome, and a media grilling, on this first Prime Ministerial visit to Hong Kong since 1984. I enclose a programme, background and personality notes (Annexes A, B and C).

The Hong Kong Scene

But

Hong Kong was badly shaken by Tiananmen, but the mood has gradually improved since then. The announcement of the airport agreement was generally well-received and boosted the Stock Exchange and property market. worries about 1997 remain widespread. Other current concerns are: the economy, particularly inflation; post-BCCI bank-runs; and law and order. will send a scene-setting telegram on 29 August.

Objectives

The Governor

We see the visit's main objectives as:

ARRAEZ/CC

CONFIDENTIAL