CONFIDENTIAL
3. In the last few years we have taken a series of steps to
improve HMG's support for these commercial activities:-
a)
b)
we have upgraded the UK's representation in Taipei and the
FCO has taken over its funding. Before 1992 it was funded
by DTI but was run by former businessmen with no direct
classified communication with HMG in London. Its access
in Taiwan was limited. We now have what is in effect a DS
post staffed with a DS4, a DS6 and a DS9. It has direct
telegraphic and fax links with the FCO. The Director of
the office has access to all levels of the Taiwan
authorities. Since we have no diplomatic relations, we
operate behind the fig-leaf that the Anglo Taiwan Trade
Committee (ATTC) is a private office and that the staff
are on secondment there from the Diplomatic Service/DTI.
We also make it clear that the office's functions are
commercial, not political (although the strengthening of
the ATTC has allowed it in recent months to carry our
useful political and economic reporting).
-
The reverse of this coin has been much greater contact
between HMG and the Taiwanese representation in London.
This currently consists of three offices the Taipei
Representative Office (TRO) answering to the Foreign
Ministry, the curiously named Majestic Trading Co Ltd
which belongs to the Economics Ministry and the British
Taiwan Cultural Institute. The most senior and sensitive
of these is the TRO. 4-5 years ago,
4-5 years ago, HMG had virtually no
contact with it. The Representative (currently a former
Cabinet Minister) now has access to DTI officials in their
offices and to DTI Ministers up to Minister of State level
on neutral ground. As for the FCO, my predecessor was the
first Head of FED to have contact with the TRO, and Mr Hum
the first AUS. Meetings always take place on neutral
ground but are regular and friendly. Majestic Trading's
SBTAIWAN
CONFIDENTIAL
No comments yet.
Private notes are available after approval.