TNAG-2961-FCO40-4240-Future-of-Hong-Kong-British-Consulate-General-building-incl-1993 — Page 22

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1348 DIST

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Foreign & Commonwealth

Office

12 August 1993

James Smith-Laittan Esq British Trade Commission Hong Kong

BY FAX

Dear James,

мио

40

2

RECEIVED IN REGISTRY

13 AUG 1993

DESK OFFICER

INDE

London SWIA 2AH

Telephone: 071-

73

FOREIGN AFFAIRS COMMITTEE VISIT TO HONG KONG: FUTURE CONSULATE GENERAL

1.

You will have noted from the minutes from the Consulate General Steering Committee meeting held on 2 July that a model has now been prepared to Farrell's specifications of the planned building. The model is now in Hong Kong (care of Farrell). We are wondering whether it might be possible to arrange for the visiting members of the FAC to take a look at it when they are in Hong Kong over the weekend of 16 October. The original FAC Report, you will recall, looked at the question of securing appropriate representation for UK interests in Hong Kong post 1997. The timing is right construction due to start later this year - for the MPs to see this impressive and helpful visual aid.

2.

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I have spoken to Carlson Chan in the Hong Kong Government Office who is liaising with HKG. He has told me that the Committee's programme will be heavy, given the short stay in Hong Kong. He told me that BTC are looking with HKG at engineering an opportunity for some contact with the FAC. would welcome your advice on whether you think it might be possible, if some form of BTC/FAC function is organised, to arrange for the model to be on display with a representative from Farrell's on hand to give some explanation.

3.

We realise that it simply might not prove possible to organise a showing of the model for the FAC. But I hope that you and other members of your staff will in any case arrange to have an in-house showing of the model - perhaps at a meeting of the Coordinating Committee? I certainly found it helpful to see an impression of the building we have spent so much time planning for! Separately, and subject to your views, we might also use it publicity in conjunction with the next visit by Mr Goodlad (scheduled for 10-12 October), or

lait.let.NAT

SLM

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