CONFIDENTIAL
HONG KONG: NOTE OF MR LUCE'S OFFICE MEETING:
PRESENT:
Mr Luce
Mr Warren-Gash, PS/Mr Luce
18 OCTOBER 1984
HKK 040/56
RECEIVED IN REGISTRY 2 2 OCT 1984
DECK OFFICER INDEX
PA
REGISTRY Action Tekon
Mr Westmacott, PS/Mr Luce (designate)
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Mr Galsworthy, HKD
Mr Mound, HKD
Mr Hum, HKD
Mr Hoare, HKD
Mr Luce said that he thought it would be useful to meet weekly to identify any outstanding problems.
1.
2. Secretary of State's Statement. This would be drafted to give a further endorsement of the agreement. It would also cover the usefulness of the Assessment Office, the LEGCO debate, the extent of international support for the agreement and the likelihood of a Hong Kong debate in early December. A draft would be sent to Hong Kong and Peking for comments. This and notes covering the main supplementaries would be submitted for Ministers' weekend boxes.
3
BRIEFING MPS. Not many of the recent visitors to Hong Kong had called or written in since their return, but the Hong Kong Government had telegraphed the main points about the agreement they had made there. HKD would put a tabulated list of these to Ministers. Mr Luce would consider further the need to hold briefing sessions before the debate. His initial view was that this should only be done if necessary or in response to requests eg from Sir P Blaker's committee: but he would take soundings in the House. HKD would keep Parliamentary Unit in the picture.
4.
LEGISLATION. Lord Whitelaw's reply to the Secretary of State's minute was still awaited. It would then be necessary to consult the Hong Kong Government and EXCO, after which the Secretary of State would write to the Prime Minister. The aim was to introduce the Bill in January and process it as quickly as possible. Drafting instructions were being prepared on a contingency basis. The main
CONFIDENTIAL