TNAG-2619-FCO40-3810-Official-visits-from-the-UK-to-Hong-Kong-1992 — Page 3

8 June 1992

Presentation

9.

The presentation of your visit and of a long-term strategy on the above lines will have to be handled with care. There is a widespread view that Britain is engaged in a rip-off of Hong Kong a view apparently encouraged by the Americans in particular. This office is even seen by some devotees of the plot theory as engaged in the subversion of the Hong Kong Government. Most businessmen I met on my briefing tour expressed alarm about this situation which is damaging their and our interests. The best way to demonstrate our confidence in post 1997 Hong Kong is to have a strategy, agreed with the British private sector, regularly up-dated and demonstrating success along the way.

10. We have an excellent PR team in this office and I hope they will agree a line with your people well in advance of your arrival. A theme of listening, and dialogue with those who do the business, could be appropriate.

11. For presentational reasons I would see advantage in your programme illustrating an interest in trade in the widest sense - both directions, and cooperating with Hong Kong in joint venturing in the region, especially into China. For that and the other reasons above I would see some advantage in your staying with the new Governor (and the accompanying party with me). But you are of course welcome to stay with me if that is more convenient.

British Council

They

12. You would be interested to see their important and exceptionally well-run operation (a model for ours). share our aims and there is much we can do together.

Programme

13.

This will, of course, give you a chance to bring yourself up-to-date on Hong Kong and the big projects. I hope you will also see Southern China. But the emphasis would be on discussions with the key players, both individually and in selected groups. Once the overall framework of the visit is agreed between us we will work up a draft, consulting those concerned in the Hong Kong Government and elsewhere.

Black Point

15. As flagged up in parallel telegrams the biggest trade issue on the near horizon (if one can consider the state of play on the airport as sui generis) is the maintenance of GECA's privileged position at CLP. The submission of a successful bid in mid-July will be the best augury for your visit.