TNAG-2607-FCO40-3798-International-support-from-Japan-regarding-the-future-of-Hon-1992 — Page 64

Mr Ricketts

Mr Stone

Mr Whitney

Mr Furness

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202.9/11

PROPOSED UK/JAPAN CONFERENCE IN HONG KONG

1.

You will wish to be aware of the attached correspondence which arose out of discussions FED had with David Howell MP and Sir James Eberle of the UK/Japan 2000 Group. It concerns the group's proposal to hold a UK/Japan conference in Hong Kong on business prospects in southern China.

2. It is a pity Simon Sherrington, FED wrote to the DPA without first seeking our views, but no harm done. Stephen Bradley makes all the right points; a UK/Japan conference in Hong Kong might send confusing signals in economic and

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commercial terms HK is "not just another piece of Britain", and we should not wish to appear to be trespassing on that autonomy. But a trilateral conference (UK/HK/Japan) would be a different proposition.

3.

FED intend to discuss further with Sir J Eberle in the light of DPA's advice. I shall ensure we are consulted before Hong Kong is approached again.

Jikoni

J C Morris

WH302 270 2650

21 October 1992

HKD 021/1

confhkJAPAN JM

CODE 18-77

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