TNAG-2794-FCO40-4034-Relations-between-Hong-Kong-and-Taiwan-1993 — Page 170

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1993

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Action Takan

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MaUJ QUI

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TO IMMEDIATE HONG KONG) TELNO 69

OF 251748Z JANUARY 93

INFO IMMEDIATE PEKNG, UKREP JLG HONG KONG INFO IMMEDIATE ATTC TAIPEI, BTC HONG KONG

Ma.

r

ATTC TELNO 9:

1.

TAIWAN/HONG KONG RELATIONS

We would be grateful for your views on the various options identified in para 12 of TUR and on how hard we should instruct Mr Morrice to push the Taiwanese on (a) timing, and (b) name and source of funding of the new Taiwanese office in Hong Kong.

2.

Our own view is that we should make a further effort to persuade the Taiwanese to take their time, given the Chinese paranoia about closer Hong Kong/Taiwan Links reflected in their reaction to the Governor receiving a Taiwanese official Late last year. The Chinese will presumably now be on the Look out for any further examples of accommodation towards the Taiwanese. We do not need a further rumpus with the Chinese in this area if we can avoid one. If the timing can be delayed, are you so concerned about the name and how the office is funded?

3. Hu is in any case surely being disingenuous in suggesting that Mr Morrice should discuss the Taiwanese office with the incoming Premier QUOTE to ensure that the Taiwanese Government's understanding of the delicacy of our position UNQUOTE is unchanged. It would be a big plus for the Taiwanese to engage us in a discussion of our relations with the Chinese over Hong Kong at Premier Level.

4.

We think that in the first instance Mr Morrice should go back to Hu and, if that fails, talk with the Mainland Affairs Commission. Do you agree?

HURD

YYYY

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