TNAG-2469-FCO40-3593-Most-favoured-nation-status-for-China-Hong-Kong-interests-1992 — Page 184

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Hong Kong Department

DATE 12 November 1992

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Mr Davies, FED

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Mr Pellew, NAD

HONG KONG/CHINA : MFN AND THE GOVERNOR'S VISIT TO WASHINGTON

1.

Sir Robin Renwick called me today with some private glosses on the telegrams which have been flowing about these

linked issues. Sir R Renwick emphasised that he did not wish

any of this to be passed on to the Governor : he would make the points in his own way in his telegrams.

2. Sir R Renwick said that the Governor's line that he would

only visit Washington early next year if he was assured of a call on President Clinton was unrealistic (comment : this was our view as well). Sir R Renwick said that the Embassy could of course arrange calls for the Governor on the Secretary of State, NSC Adviser, Congressmen etc. They would try for the President, but could not guarantee. Clinton would look at this from a domestic point of view in terms of his relations with Congress.

3. Sir R Renwick continued that February was not a brilliant

month for the Governor to come. He had plans to try to get the Secretary of State to Washington at that time. But the

Embassy would cope with the Governor whenever he decided to

make his visit.

4. On the substance of the MFN issue, Sir R Renwick underlined the need for a realistic approach. He accepted that our public line for the present should be that for Hong

Kong's sake we wanted unconditional renewal of MFN for China. But the fact was that 60 Senators had already supported a bill imposing conditions. President Clinton was not going to veto

mfn.FUTURE.kr

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