HKK 040/1
CONFIDENTIAL
Reference.
Mr Clift Le seen
PROPOSED VISIT TO CHINA BY LORD RHODES
A
1.
B
C&D
E
[-]
ре
You asked for advice on para 4 of Hong Kong telno 1187.
2. I think we should first await Peking's comments. If, as seems likely, they agree with Hong Kong's assessment, Lord Rhodes could be told about the dangers inherent in canvassing in China even a "personal solution" to the Hong Kong question, and discouraged from doing so either:
(a) by yourself, during an appropriate briefing as and when Lord Rhodes gets in touch. (See Mr Warren-Gash's minute of 26 July.)
3.
(b) by Mr Luce who, on return to the Office, could ask Lord Rhodes to call on him again.
For two reasons I think that course (b) would be the best bet. We cannot guarantee that Lord Rhodes will take up the briefing offer: Furthermore, Mr Luce has already seen Lord Rhodes twice in connection with his trip to China, and continuity of approach would appear to be best. It is not clear from Mr Warren-Gash's minute under reference if our "Points to Make" for Lord Rhodes (pretty innocuous to me) were actually handed to him on 26 July.
4. Hong Kong have not got the prime purpose of Lord Rhodes' visit quite right. According to Sir J Cater's letter of 5 August, this is to improve Sino-British relations. The fact that Lord Rhodes "also proposes" to talk to Chinese leaders about Hong Kong's future does not seem part of his "prime purpose".
DE 18.77
11 August 1983
JSC Priest(s)
PS. Since dictating the above, I have been told about your telephone conversation with Mr Ilolmes. As I understand it, the view is that, in view of Mr Goodlad's position as Government Whip, it would not be appropriate for him, as presently planned, to be a member of Lord Rhodes' party. I think this reinforces my suggestion that Mr Luce should speak as is necessary, not only to Lord Rhodes but also now to Mr Goodhadi. If you agree, I suggest we submit on this as soon as Mr Luce is recontactable, ie as and from 22 August (urgent papers to be sent to him then and thereafter by box until 29 August). Miss Walters, Private Office, agreed this approach when I spoke to her this afternoon. Mr Holmes was not then available.
CONFIDENTIAL
Mo Phot