TNAG-2912-FCO40-4187-International-support-from-Asia-regarding-the-future-of-Hong-1993 — Page 32

CONFIDENTIAL

MR GOODLAD'S VISIT TO JAPAN, 15

18 NOVEMBER 1993

Background

1. Japan is the second largest investor in Hong Kong (after China) and takes a close interest in developments there. They have been privately supportive over the Governor's democracy proposals, and tell us they have raised Hong Kong privately with China (for instance at a meeting between the Japanese and Chinese Foreign Ministers at the UN General Assembly).

2.

When Ikeda (Japanese Director General of Asian Affairs) had talks with Sir J Coles on 19 October he reaffirmed Japan's willingness to help. Sir J Coles sent a message to Ikeda after the OPD (K) meeting bringing him up to date with developments in the fifteenth round and putting forward points for use by the Japanese Prime Minister in a bilateral with Jiang Zemin planned Jiang to take place at Seattle (19-20 November). Pressure of time may rule out the bilateral raising Hong Kong at that time, in which case we will want to invite Mr Hati to make the points with the Chinese.

Political Director Fukuda paid a courtesy call on Mr Goodlad on 11 November.

3.

or

bgrnd.gladjap.NAT

CONFIDENTIAL

JEB