CONFIDENTIAL
as at present such CBDTs would first have
to have obtained an unconditional right of
entry to the UK.
7. To back up these possible amendments to the Bill there would have to be a substantial ministerial statement outside the Bill about our close links with Hong Kong and our commitment to the support of the Territory (ie the psychological massage).
8. The Home Office did not shy away from this package. They
insisted that their Ministers would take a lot of convincing.
But they agreed with us that we should not try to make any firm decisions on any of these points until after the Governor's
visit.
9. You will wish to tell the Governor about the exchanges we
have had with the Home Office when you see him on 9 March. The Department is preparing a 'child's guide' for the Secretary of
State's use for his box this weekend. It would be useful to
know if you think we can make any headway with the package
outlined in paragraphs 6 and 7 above, which we shall include in
the brief for the Secretary of State.
10. On the other side of the coin, Lord Carrington may have to
tell Sir Murray that we think this is the maximum we can get
for Hong Kong, that it is by no means in the bag and that he
may not discuss the detail with Unofficials until he receives
instructions. The Home Office officials will not float our ideas
with the Home Secretary until they judge the moment is auspicious.
6 March 1981
CONFIDENTIAL
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Artmald
A E Donald