CONFIDENTIAL COVERING SECRET
DSR 11C
objection to the change but that it still must be refused for policy and administrative reasons would lay the Prime Minister open to strong attack and could sour the atmosphere of the
visit, at a time when sensitivity on the key question of the
future of Hong Kong will be at its peak.
14.
We should therefore take up the Home Office's suggestion
of a meeting between the Secretary of State and the Home
Secretary, aiming to get a favourable decision in time for
the Prime Minister's visit (she leaves for the Far East on
16 September). It would however clearly not be possible to
reach agreement before her meeting with Hong Kong Executive
and Legislative Councillors on 8 September, The Governor
has undertaken to steer the Councillors off the subject and
has advised that Lord Belstead, whom they will see on
7 September, should inform them that the matter is still
under consideration, without commitment.
CONFIDENTIAL COVERING S E CRET