TNAG-2915-FCO40-4190-International-support-from-European-countries-regarding-the--1993 — Page 37

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26. Mr Afanasiev said the Russians were grateful for our support over the establishment of a Consulate-General in

Hong Kong. They saw it as a very important centre.

Over

the next few months they would look for a suitable office and a senior figure to be Consul-General. They hoped to

have something set up by the end of the year. It would be a small post. Direct flights between Moscow and Hong Kong took place twice weekly. Cathay Pacific could fly to Moscow but have not exercised the option yet. He asked for assistance over Aeroflot crews and flight attendants, who unlike other nationalities still needed visas for Hong Kong. Could that be changed? Mr Hum said we welcomed the Russian

Consulate-General. He believed the Hong Kong authorities

were now ready to accept Aeroflot crews without visas so long as their names were listed in the proper way. The decision had been taken recently. (Since this conversation

was over lunch, Mr Hum subsequently gave Mr Afanasiev a

speaking note setting out the precise situation). Mr Afanasiev was most appreciative.

NORTH KOREA

Present

Sir John Coles

Mr Masefield

Mr Hum

Mr Morris, FED

Mrs Swift, FED

27.

Russian Delegation as before

Sir John Coles said the present situation was worrying. If North Korea left the NPT the implications for

Asia and global non-proliferation were serious. The

international community must try to persuade North Korea to

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