TNAG-2794-FCO40-4034-Relations-between-Hong-Kong-and-Taiwan-1993 — Page 47

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risks to the UK from the Taiwanese proposals. A Defence Attache would presumably spend most of his time on activities related to defence equipment and technology purchase. He might try to join the attaches corps and have meetings with the MOD. As for the service chiefs, we have no objection to their coming here for genuinely private visits (one such has indeed already taken

place), nor can we prevent contact with British companies. But

we have no wish to encourage such contact.

4.

that

Mr Morrice spoke well (ATTC Taipei telno 128) in telling Tai

there was no relation between this question and the regional jet project. Tactically, we would like to separate the two by replying in the defence issue on a separate channel. Hum and Fry

propose therefore to take advantage of their lunch on 24 May with Eugene Chien (to be hosted as usual by Sir W Bentley) to go over the ground with him. Until then, we should prefer you, if again approached, to stick with the line that these proposals as being

considered in London.

5. For your information, the line we

the line we propose to take is that we are happy to raise the ceiling on TRO staff (which is in fact

ten, not six) but that we do not wish to see a military officer

join the TRO. (If pressed, we would indeed consider blocking the work permit). On visits by service chiefs, we would say that we

have no objection to genuinely private visits but this should not

be taken as any kind of "green light" for contacts with British

companies or potential major defence sales. Contact with MOD is

not on the menu. DESO, to whom we have spoken, agree.

HURD

YYYY

ΜΑΙΝ

.China