PS/Lord Belstead
cc: Mr Donald
Mr Clift (o/s)
CONFIDENTIAL
MKI 026/2
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BRIEFING BY LORD BELSTEAD FOR SELECT COMMITTEE ON INDUSTRY AND
TRADE: HONG KONG. 10 NOVEMBER
1.
As requested I attach some Points to Make on the future of Hong Kong for use at the above briefing. A few points (for defensive use) on other bilateral issues are also included. Mr Clift will be present at the briefing.
2.
The main point to get across to the Members of the Select Committee is the need to maintain optimism and confidence, particularly in business circles, in Hong Kong's future. There is currently a good deal of concern in the Territory as its future comes under close scrutiny and 1997 begins to loom large. It is important to assure the people there that far from Britain distancing herself from Hong Kong, HMG is striving with vigour
and resolution to tackle the issue of the future and to find a
solution acceptable to the people of Hong Kong.
There is every
cause for confidence in the future and in the search for a
solution.
3. Background briefing of a more general nature and an Annex prepared by the Department of Trade have already been sent to the Members separately via PCCU. We understand the Hong Kong Government Office have also provided material.
་་
8 November 1982
W Morris
Hong Kong & General Department
CONFIDENTIAL