TNAG-2967-FCO40-4246-Future-of-Hong-Kong-British-Consulate-General-inclusion-of--1993 — Page 53

1986-03-177 18:16

AX TRANSMISSION

Our Reference:

21 June 1993

Ms Deborah Barnes-Jones

.HKD, FCO

Fax no 11 270 3387

Page 1 of

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Jaki to Year

Jean Girang

21

2154701

2) Mr Maris 16

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3) Mr W16

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HKD 406/13

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Dear Dettie,

22 JUL 1993

2/6

P.01

British

Trade Commission

Hong Kong

QS

9th Floor, Bank of America Tower, 12 Harcourt Road, Hong Kong

Mail Address: GPO Box No 528, Hong Kong

Telephone: 523 0176

Telex: HX 78081 (a/b 78081 L'KTRA HX) Facsimile: (852) 845 2870 Cable Address: UK TRADE, Hong Kong

BRITISH CHAMBER OF COMMERCE IN HONG KONG

that

If either of

We have no record in our files of offers of free accommodation in the new Consulate-General building. Nor was I present when Mr Heap and Mr Day intimated - if they ever dia accommodation would be provided free of charge. them did say something along those lines, it is much more likely that they said every effort would be made to secure the best deal for the Chamber of Commerce (perhaps implying that the natural starting point would be a request for free accommodation). Both knew it was not within their gift to offer free accommodation. But I gather it has also been mentioned at meetings with Committee members (again by whom I am not sure) that the terms of the Private Treaty Grant prohibit subletting. This may have emboldened the Chamber to hold out for free accommodation.

James Chiu had a brief meeting, at which I was present, with Mr Goodlad following my lunch on 1 June. Mx Goodlad repeated then

But after that that free accommodation was not on offer. meeting, Mr Chiu mentioned to me (and I relayed the gist of the conversation to John Morris shortly afterwards) that he strongly felt HMG should offer free accommodation (but with the Chamber contributing towards running costs) as an ongoing contribution to the success of the Chamber, on the grounds that a successful Chamber would increase Britain's exports and influence, and would therefore serve a useful political purpose. As he saw it, rent-free accommodation would be the

He then said he most discreet way of supporting the Chamber.

Subsequently, was going to raise the matter with Lord Prior. he telephoned to say he had spoken with Lord Prior who had agreed to raise the matter with Mr Heseltine (in fact, as the enclosures to your letter reveal, he did done so with Mr Needham instead). · Lord Prior is purported to have said also that he would consider whether to mention the matter to the Prime Minister. So there may be a further approach in the offing!

Yous ancuch

Ames

J Smith-Laittan

Every effort is made in ensure that the information given herein is accurate, but no legal responsibility is accepted for any errors, omissions or misleading statements in that information caused by negligence or otherwise and no responsibility is accepted in regard to the standing of any firms, companies or

individuals mentioned.

TOTAL P.01