CODE 18.77
Mr-McQuade
Mr Clift
Reference.......
(274)
ра
CONFIDENTIAL
ник 34011
11 1116/12
BNA 1981: REGISTRATION UNDER SECTION 4(5)
A
1.
R
273
Please see Mr Howells' minute of 14 ̊ December below. He spoke to me on the telephone about this, and is concerned that although the draft circular attached is technically correct, it may cause resentment or political difficulties in Hong Kong. He wished to have our views on this point.
2.
Hong Kong have already made it clear that section 4(5) is a very sensitive issue in Hong Kong. They were unhappy that the examples quoted in the Home Office internal circular and in DSP, and may be even more unhappy at this clear indication that the Home Secretary will use his discretion sparingly, particularly in the present circumstances of Hong Kong. However, if this is to be a personal letter to the Governors, circulation of this information can presumably be closely restricted.
3.
FCO telegram number 1069, which was sent by NTD, and not cleared with us, suggests that Governors should filter applications before sending them on to the Home Secretary. Mr Howells' draft letter should be considered in the light of this. On balance, I think Hong Kong will appreciate being informed of the Home Secretary's attitude, but I am not sure that the draft gives very much additional information as to which applications are likely to be approved and which are not. In particular, I think the first sentence of paragraph 5 will cause difficulties.But I accept that it may not be possible to be more helpful at this stage and that we will have to wait until applications are actually considered by the Home Office to know precisely how sparingly discretion will be applied.
4.
I therefore feel it will be worth sending this letter, on a personal basis, to Governors. Y
Today
เง to disse ss mot Av Howells.
Phone
་.
16 December 1982
RJ F Hoare
CONFIDENTIAL