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THE UMELCO VISIT A TENTATIVE ASSESSMENT
1. The UMELCO visit to London may well have a significant
effect on our relations with the Unofficial members. The
nature of this effect is likely to be determined by the
very different reactions to their visit in Hong Kong and
in London as well as by the outcome of the parliamentary
debate.
A
B
2. As reports from Hong Kong show (Hong Kong telno 1353
provides a particularly useful summary), the statement
issued by UMELCO in conjunction with their visit received
a degree of support in Hong Kong far wider than that normally enjoyed by the Unofficials. Many individuals and groups who are usually critical of them welcomed their decision to express to MPs the concerns of people in
Hong Kong. The group received a very large number of letters and telegrams of support. The only significant criticisms have come from the left-wing press and their
adherents.
3.
The
UMELCO's reception in London was quite different.
Hong Kong Government Office did not accompany them on their
calls on MPs, so do not have any first-hand knowledge of
how they went. But their overall impression from
subsequent contacts with MPs and the Unofficials is that the Unofficials did not obtain the support for their position that they had expected, even from MPs who have
over the years been friends of Hong Kong, and that they did not hide their disappointment at this.
4. The Unofficials must have been disappointed, too, at the Commons Debate on 16 May. They themselves were attacked predictably by Messrs Heath and Adley, and
supported, also predictably, by a number of other MPs, including Sir H Atkins, Sir P Bryan and Sir P Blaker.
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