5.
I
By way of background, you may be aware that Patrice fell squarely in the group of French opinion which found unacceptable the repatriation of Vietnamese boat people. am not in a position to say whether this was in part linked to the fact that his wife is Vietnamese but this is a fact of which you should be aware.
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Finally, it may be worthwhile me adding a word or two about current French perceptions of the Governor's and HMG's position on Hong Kong. First, the current difficulties are of major interest here, in part because of France's own difficulties with the Chinese. Second, there is an inclination to assume that there is more to the British position than meets the eye. We have made a point of reinforcing the clear and straightforward character of the British position and our approach to the Chinese. Third, there is a natural tendency here, particularly in the media, to look favourably on the Governor's stance as a worthy defence of democracy. The translation of this somewhat instinctive approach into practical support is, perhaps inevitably, more ambiguous. Currently the French can excuse themselves by saying that their difficulties with the Chinese Mirage leave them ill-placed to offer effective support. It is difficult to know how the change of government here will impact on this. The Governor might like to ask Patrice.
I hope that this is useful and look forward to seeing the results of this very timely initiative by Anthony Woo.
7.
مور
লেই
مسف
Mark Ruñacres
cc: Anthony Woo Esq, Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office,
Brussels (By Fax)
HKD, FCO
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