UNCLASSIFIED
HIRO 126/10
RF
2 2 FEE 1993
M th. Wysodrow
STR
Lotiun Taks
INDE
From:
A J Beamish
Tel pse,
mit LAD
in Consultatio
Date:
17 February 1993
ccs: Mr Ricketts, HKD
Mr Murray, LAD
BRAZIL
1.
नेता
17/2
He
I lunched yesterday with Paulo Tarso Flecha De Lima. gave more details about his forthcoming visit to the Far East. He leaves for Taiwan on 18 February and on his return plans to spend 25-28 February in Hong Kong. He has been invited to Taiwan largely in recognition of the effort he made while Head of the Brazilian Foreign Office to promote contacts between Brazil and Taiwan. He reminded me that in the same capacity he had negotiated the first environmental Brazil, agreement between Britain- and a foreign country. His
negotiating partner had been Chris Patten who, I believe, visited Brazil to inaugurate this particular ODA project. Paulo Tarso had, of course, developed his relationship with Chris Patten during his time in London and he was hoping to call on him during his visit to Hong Kong. I reminded Paulo Tarso of Mr Patten's recent medical problems and said that that, combined with the Governor's schedule, might make it difficult for him to receive Paulo Tarso. Paulo Tarso may or may not have taken note of this. He usually reminds me that I once characterised him as the pushiest ambassador in London. I think we can rely on him to push for a visit through the Brazilian Consulate-General in Hong Kong (I assume such exists). At all events I think we should alert the Governor to his impending arrival and his expectations; and I hope that it will be possible for him to be briefed in Hong Kong and perhaps also to have some VIP facilities at the airport. Please pursue with HKD.
2. On other matters, Paulo-Tarso said that he had had very positive feed back from the visit of the Governor of Sao Paulo. Discussions with North West Water and Thames Water were being pursued. With regard to arms sales, he seemed optimistic about the Westlands project provided that the financing package was right. We both agreed that the indications there were for some movement. He was less than enthusiastic, however, at my suggestion that Mr Aitken should visit Brazil. I am not sure how substantive this objection is. It seemed to reside on Mr Aitken's title Minister for Defence procurement.
3. In reply to my question about whether he had any particular proposals for Anglo/Brazilian relations at the moment, he said that he thought both sides were treading water and did not think there was much scope. Subsequent comments about Itamar Franco led me to believe that he would not be a devotee of an Itamar Franco visit here. B Pitts
PP AJ Beamish
17.2.2
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