TNAG-2629-FCO40-3820-Future-of-Hong-Kong-nationality-British-National-(Overseas)-1992 — Page 137

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He was

practical examples. The Japan Festival in particular had had a dramatic impact. We looked forward to the UK Japan Science and Technology event in the Autumn. grateful for the Japanese Government's invitation that he should pay a visit. He was actively considering dates and hoped to be able to do so in the early part of next year. He had been glad recently to see the Japanese Ministers of Finance, MITI, and Defence. He was grateful

that Mr Miyazawa had met the Duke of Kent who had had a

most worthwhile visit.

Mr Miyazawa agreed that relations had never been better.

With a historical perspective back to the end of the war when things had been far from good, he could say that relations now were exceptional. He attributed this to

the policy of the present Government and of Mrs

Thatcher's Government. Japanese business was welcome in the UK and proud to contribute to the British economy. The Japan Festival had played its part. The Duke of Kent had done a fine job. The Crown Prince's brother had

recently finished his education in the UK. All the se

were elements in the friendship between us. He thanked

the Prime Minister for his own efforts.

The Prime Minister agreed that Mrs Thatcher had made deliberate political decision to develop the

relationship. A major factor had also been Japanese investment, with 180 Japanese companies

companies now here. This had transformed the visibility and understanding of Japan

in the UK. There were no barriers here. All Japane se

companies were welcome. All who manufactured here were

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