CONFIDENTIAL
REF: KK 040/16
FROM:
R D CLIFT
Би 66 (45)
DATE: 19 OCTOBER 1983
PS/MR LUCE
MKK040.16
RECEIVED IN REGISTRY
20 UCT 1983
DRSK OFFICER INDEX
PA
m
REGISTRY
Action Takan
& M21/10
cc: PS
PS/PUS
MR GIFFARD MR DONALD
MR THOMSON FED
FUTURE OF HONG KONG: BRIEFING FOR CONSERVATIVE BACKBENCHERS
1. Mr Luce will be briefing the following Conservative backbenchers on the future of Hong Kong on 20 October: Sir Peter Blaker, Mr Michael Colvin and Mr Alastair Goodlad. Since Mr Luce last spoke to this group (together with Sir Paul Bryan on 18 July) Mr Colvin has visited Hong Kong (18-24 September). Mr Goodlad was due to visit China with Lord Rhodes in early October but withdrew at our request.
/ 2. I attach some Points to Make.
A
3.
Further to your minute of 19 July (paras 2 & 3), it would be helpful to know whether these MP's have any further views on the need to brief Conservative backbenchers more widely and, if so, who would be the best candidates. As you know we have recently been in touch with Mr Adley who has not been taking a particularly helpful line.
4. Mr Luce might wish to touch on the adjournment debate on 31 October for which Mr Adley has successfuly applied on 31 October (beating Mr Hal Miller at the post). This will be a half hour affair essentially consisting of Mr Adley's speech and a reply by the Minister, but other members might conceivably be able to say a word or two.
As background, Hong Kong tel 1552 of 19 October contains the lates C on press coverage in Hong Kong. Also attached are recent Hong Kong
dollar and Hang Seng Index figures.
B 5.
19 October 1983
CONFIDENTIAL
ir
R D Clift
Hong Kong Department