RESTRICTED
-2-
4.
Home Office officials and we see positive advantages
in tabling the clause before Lord Carrington arrives in Hong Kong.
These are:
5.
a) The Standing Committee and the Government's
supporters generally will be aware of the clause
before Lord Carrington has to speak in Hong Kong.
b) A consequence of the new clause will mean that
Clause 7 in the Bill will be withdrawn;
Clause 7
could be reached in Committee this week and the
Government will wish to explain that they are
withdrawing it.
If Ministers agree we will inform the Home Office at
official level.
6.
Lord Carrington will be seeing the Home Secretary on
26 March to discuss the way in which the amendment should be
presented in Parliament and in Hong Kong.
24 March 1981
R D Clift
Hong Kong and General Department
сс
PS/Mr Blaker
Sir E Youde
Mr Donald
Mr Jones, NTD
M= Luce might find the advice on thining
attructive in the light of his concern not to bounce Parliament in verpect of amendments.
Vanes
RESTRICTED
24/3/81