The FCO and Sir Paul Bryan are being consulted as to whether there is any objection to Mr Whitelaw's reply being made public in Hong Kong. Subject to clearance being given, it is for consideration wheher the reply should be published in full or should be paraphrased.
8
Sir Paul Bryan's speech of 27th October has been given comparatively less coverage by the Hong Kong media than his previous speeches on this subject. However, it is printed in Hansard and the specific question asked is a matter of public record. If the Home Secretary's reply is published, there is a danger that informed commentators may express considerable disappointment, particularly if the reply is high- lighted by the Government in any way when putting it across to the media. On the other hand, withholding of publication would generate public suspicion and mounting enquiry as to why publication was being withheld. Equally to publish a paraphrased version would be to increase speculation as to why the whole reply has not been published.
9
It is considered, on balance, that Sir Paul Bryan's sppech and the Home Secretary's written reply should best be made available in full to the media and be given factual but low-key treatment. In response to media requests for comments, it is suggested that the line should be to stress the positive aspects of the Home Secretary's reply and that the future of Hong Kong is a completely separate issue which has not yet
arisen.
2nd November 1981 (SCR 39/2091/72 XVII)
G.S. 166
CONFIDENTIAL