TNAG-2911-FCO40-4186-International-support-from-Asia-regarding-the-future-of-Hong-1993 — Page 79

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4. There was also a disparity of views on the subject of the conference.Sir James Eberle seemed to be more in favour of a politically-based event, centring on a review of bilateral relations between Japan and the UK which the 2000 Group were intending to conduct. Mr Tanaka of the Embassy said that we should rather concentrate on day-to-day subjects

which were likely to attract popular attention, covering the cultural, social and philisophical elements of the

relationship. Mr Turner suggested that one way of coping

with this would be to have some parallel sessions for experts

on the more specialist political subjects. Mr Davies said

that perhaps one half-day session in a two-day conference

might be devoted to the political dimension, which would fit

quite reasonably into the broader picture. Mr Turner

suggested that one way of attracting attention would be for

Gary Lineker and the Japanese Sumo wrestler, Chiyo no Fuji,

to participate.

Venue

5. Mr Turner said that the optimum location for the

conference would be the QEII Centre, although a city centre

hotel might also be possible. There was some, inconclusive,

discussion of holding the conference outside London.

Mr Nozaka of the Japanese Embassy said that we should be

aiming for around 500 people.

The way forward

6. It was agreed that Chatham House would prepare costings

for a number of different scenarios. They would be looking

at possibilities in November, the first half of December and

January.

Next Meeting

7. The next meeting of the ad hoc Committee will be held at 3 p.m. on 7 April at the Japanese Embassy when Chatham House will submit their costings.

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