CODE 18-77
HP 4/83
Mr Goulden
cc: Sir P Cradock
Dr Wilson
Reference..
File
B.L.S.
SECRET
IN
MKK040!!
10 MAY 1984
bution Toke
FUTURE OF HONG KONG: UMELCO MANIFESTO
1.
I attach a suggested line to take in answer to questions about the manifesto which is being published in Hong Kong this evening (text in Hong Kong telno 1251). It is also being sent by post to MPs and other prominent figures in the UK.
2.
I have discussed with Sir P Cradock how far we should go in answering direct questions on the points raised in the manifesto. The brief indicates the limit which we should use in on the record briefing. Although there are a number of points on which journalists will probe, we should run very serious risks if we tried to take them up individually. Either we should appear to support UMELCO (eg on a continuing British role) in which case the Chinese would react, or else we should appear publicly to test UMELCO's arguments which would aggravate the impression which will be given anyway that HMG and Hong Kong Unofficials are at odds.
3.
If nevertheless the press reaction to the manifesto is too strong we may have to consider unattributable briefing to deal with some of these points. This would need to be very carefully handled. I shall submit separately on this.
Вир
RD Clift
9 May 1984
SECRET
Hong Kong Department