TNAG-2783-FCO40-4002-UK-business-interests-in-Hong-Kong-Chinese-discrimination-ag-1993 — Page 125

20 JAN

EB.

14:46 DTI OT2-2. 071 215 4701

Aum Sir Ralph Robins

ROLLS

R

ROYCE

CHAIRMAN

ROLLS-ROYCE plc

65 Buckingham Gate, London SWIE 6AT Telex: 918091, Fax: 071-222 0185 Telephone: 071-222 9020

OFFICE

OF

THE

14 JAN 1993

ED IN THE

13 January 1993

The Rt. Hon. Michael Heseltine, MP., President of the Board of Trade Department of Trade and Industry Ashdown House

123 Victoria Street London SW1E 6RB.

10:

Mr Love 072

отч

COPIES TO

RN

FOR ADVICE (AND DRAFT REPLY IF APPROPRIATE) PLEASE BY;

2211193

IF DEADLINE

CANNOT BE MET : FLEASE PHONE

SUE CREESE

ON 216 6638

SPG

Mr Roberts

στη

ver Meadway of.

Sp. Ad.

Dear Michad,

Chinese Ambassador Ma came to visit me last week, ostensibly to discuss the various business opportunities which we are pursuing in China.

However, he took the opportunity to express in very stark terms, his Government's view of the Hong Kong Governor's proposals on democracy.

He said that it was the United Kingdom that had moved away from the 1984 Agreement and that China were not prepared to negotiate. They would stand firmly to their position as agreed in 1984, whatever the consequences for sino-British relationships or for Hong Kong. He expressed the view that the Governor's current position would lead to a disaster for Hong Kong and do serious damage to the relationships between our two countries.

He did not directly threaten any action against trade with China, though he was careful to explain that they intended to retaliate against the French for their sale of Mirage fighters to Taiwan.

Registered office: 65 Buckingham Gate, London SW18 6AT Company number: 1003142, Registered in England.

Continued/....