TNAG-2916-FCO40-4191-International-support-from-European-countries-regarding-the--1993 — Page 113

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Meanwhile we noted that President Clinton would meet Jiang Zemin in Seattle and that Chancellor Kohl would visit China (and Hong Kong) in November. We would like to keep in particularly close touch with partners over the coming weeks.

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Lord (United States) reiterated US willingness to help. He emphasised that we should stay closely in touch with the Americans, to ensure that their interventions would have the desired effect. Ikeda (Japan) confirmed that Hong Kong was raised in all appropriate contacts with China, most recently at a meeting between the Japanese and Chinese Foreign Ministers at the UN General Assembly. He noted Japan's strong interest in Hong Kong's future, and in particular the fact that Japan was the Largest external investor in manufacturing industry in Hong Kong. Mr Hata would be visiting Peking in mid-December. Blanchemaison (France) agreed that partners should keep in close contact.

Outside the meeting Wallau (Germany) assured Sir J Coles of German willingness to lend support. He said he hoped we could brief him directly in advance of Chancellor Kohl's visit, to ensure that the Chancellor could take a supportive line in his talks in Peking.

5. When Ikeda held further talks with Coles on 19 October he reaffirmed Japan's willingness to help. He suggested that Mr. Hata might send a letter on Hong Kong to his Chinese opposite number. He emphasised that on the basis of its own interests in Hong Kong, Japan was always ready to convey an appropriate message to China. Coles said that we noted the offer with gratitude and would be back in touch. Hum suggested that if there was to be a bilateral meeting between Mr Hosokawa and Jiang Zemin in Seattle this would be a further opportunity for points on Hong Kong to be made. Ikeda said this was a good idea. The Japanese were hoping to arrange a bilateral with Jiang Zemin, even though Mr Hosokawa's Diet obligations might limit the time he could spend in Seattle.

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