SECRET
Pa
Future
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
London SW1A 2AH
18 March 1983
(199)
RJT McLaren Esq CMG Political Adviser HONG KONG
Dear
Robin,
FUTURE OF HONG KONG: WORK SCHEDULE
10
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22 MAR 1983
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I thought it might be helpful to let you know the work which we have in hand following the Governor's and Ambassador's visit last week.
Contingency Paper for a June Announcement
2.
PM.
This is one of the items specifically commissioned by the We have a draft, based on comments already provided by you and Peking. It was seen in outline by the Governor and the Ambassador when they were here. It is of course very much a provisional document as much depends on what the Chinese have in mind for June and on their response to Mrs Thatcher's message. But we think it best to put this in right away, underlining all the uncertainties. We shall copy it to you and Peking.
Revised Option
3.
We are preparing a redraft of option B(i). The use to which this would be put would of course depend again on how the Ambassador's discussions in Peking go and especially on the response to the message. But we think it necessary to be ready with something which might be used at some stage whichever way things go. We are taking account of the talks in London, in particular the emphasis which the PM places on the development of greater local responsibility in Hong Kong. We shall send you both a draft as soon as possible.
Briefing for MPs
4.
The PM has now agreed that a selected group of Conservative backbenchers should be briefed on the current position. The Secretary of State will probably undertake this and we shall let you know as soon as possible who is being seen and what Ministers agree they should be told.
SECRET
/Briefing