Sir M MacLehose
CONFIDENTIAL
28 April 1977
4. I enclose a
record (in draft) of the delegation's discussions with Lord Goronwy-Roberts. They had a sedate but friendly hour. They came, I think, in a good mood and reports confirm that they left in an even better one. The Minister gave them a great deal of what I expect they wanted: a warmth of flattery, heartfelt thanks but, of course, no promises. As. expected, the delegation gave Lord Goronwy-Roberts their petition (which was supported by impressive looking legal advice) and accompanied it with a point-by-point summary of what it contained. I formed the impression of people come to do business and perhaps part of their good humour was a reflection of the fact that they thought they had accomplished it.
5. Bob Parry, of course, came too. He was not, I think, in quite such a good mood. Stuart Webb-Johnson reported that kis relations with the Kuk had taken a slight downturn on the previous evening. This did not prevent him from trying to open the discussions - but the Minister quickly took the initiative and thereafter Parry remained silent.
6. Just in case you do not have them, I enclose copies of the petition and supporting legal advice. You will see from the record that Lord Goronwy-Roberts has undertaken to examine it very carefully and, in due course, send lir Cheung a written reply through you. I would be grateful for your advice on what he should say. Two riders, one on content and one on timing: at the end of the meeting Lord Goronwy-Roberts told me that he would like to be able to tell the Kuk in his reply of an area in which, apparently as a result of their petition and the meeting, some concession was possible. As to timing, the Kuk have, with the Minister's permission, given a copy of the documents to Kr Douglas Hurd. (Apparently the Leader of the Opposition asked in Hong Kong that this might be done and the Kuk undertook to consult the Minister before replying.) In view of this, and in view of Parry's own propensity for firing off PQs (another nine today!), I think that unless the Kuk's petition is answered
I should be promptly, there may be more Questions about it. grateful, therefore, if David Akers-Jones could let us have advice as soon as possible.
7.
Stuart Webb-Johnson is, I know, reporting separately on the delegation's meeting with Douglas Hurd. One point which I understand Mr Cheung made to Hurd (but to which no reference was made at all at Lord Goronwy-Roberts' meeting) was that the Kuk plan to set up an office in London. Cheung said that the intention was to send to London any examples of "maladministration" by the New Territories' Administration so that these could be brought to the attention of Lord Goronwy-Roberts or Hurd himself. This sounds a little ominous.
JAB Stewart
CONFIDENTIAL