CONFIDENTIAL

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views. Although Miss Tam was being briefed by the Hong Kong Government, he was surprised that she sometimes took a line at variance with what he believed to be HKG views: this perplexed him, and might well mislead the Chinese side

as well.

4. You and I discussed this point briefly.

We agreed that I should write to Mr Peirce in Hong Kong, suggesting that the Hong Kong Government might wish to consider giving Mr Lee slightly more

more comprehensive briefing if they thought that he was discreet enough to make diplomatic use of it.

5. Mr Lee's second theme was criticism of HMG and the HKG

An for not fighting hard enough for Hong Kong's interests. agreement had been achieved which gave Hong Kong the real hope of

of autonomy.

But now HMG and the HKG were only concerned about bringing about convergence in a way which

caused the fewest waves in Peking. Mr

said rather Lee

sadly that the people of Hong Kong needed leadership: they had to be helped. They were not accustomed to speaking up for themselves. HMG and the Hong Kong Government should

their behalf. The two speak up strongly in Peking on Governments should also encourage the emergence of a outspoken political class. Almost all the Unofficials were no more than yes men: they were only concerned not to rock the boat. HMG and the HKG should bring forward politicians of a more independent frame of mind, and should actively encourage the rest to speak out on behalf of Hong Kong.

6. You and I

agreed that I should

summarise

more

the main

points from our two conversations with Mr Lee in a letter

to Mr Peirce.

29 July 1986

Eten

CO Hum

Hong Kong Department

CONFIDENTIAL

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