TNAG-2913-FCO40-4188-International-support-from-the-USA-regarding-the-future-of-H-1993 — Page 70

MFN STATUS FOR CHINA

Confidential

[contribution to Steering Brief]

IS

Mr Blondrew 19/2 All. Contribon to brief for PM's

visit to Wark. jan.

fo.

8/2

718/2

The Points to Make on MFN Status for China contain a contingency

line to take, should it emerge that the Administration believe

that unconditional renewal of MFN is a non-starter. This is a

point of disagreement between Mr Patten and Sir Robin Renwick. The Governor believes that it is too early in our lobbying

effort to expose our fallback position; but the Ambassador believes that it is unrealistic to expect that Clinton can avoid applying conditions to MFN, and that we must put down a

marker to defend Hong Kong's interests. We have left in a contingency formula, which does not commit Hong Kong on the

substance, but puts a foot in the door.

[ additional Point to Make) ]

(as necessary If it becomes evident that the Administration

have concluded that unconditional renewal of MFN is an option they cannot realistically pursue):

Hope the Administration will bear in mind potential damage to

Hong Kong. Suggest that our respective officials should discuss

ways of ensuring that adverse effect on Hong Kong is minimised to full extent possible. Hong Kong crucially dependent upon re-exports as well as exports.

points.MFN.ADM.JRB

HKCD 01/3

REC

19 FEB 1993

=

Confidential

IN