CONFIDENTIAL
5494
UK RESETTLEMENT PROGRAMME FOR HONG KONG WITHOUT DELAY.
WE ARE
NOW TRYING TO ARRANGE AN EARLY MEETING BETWEEN THE TWO MINISTERS.
HOWEVER, IN THE LIGHT OF MINISTERS' TRAVEL PLANS, DIARY
COMMITMENTS, AND THE CHRISTMAS BREAK, WE ARE NOT OPTIMISTIC THAT MINISTERS WILL BE ABLE TO MEET BEFORE 8 JANUARY TO TAKE THE
MATTER FURTHER.
5.
WE REALISE THAT THIS TIMING WILL NOT BE HELPFUL TO YOU IF
VIETNAMESE REFUGEES ARE TO BE DEBATED IN LEGCO ON 7 JANUARY, AS
CHUGANI'S ARTICLE IMPLIES. WE SHALL DO OUR UTMOST TO SEE IF THE
MINISTERIAL MEETING CAN TAKE PLACE EARLIER BUT THIS IS UNLIKELY.
IT WOULD BE HELPFUL IN THIS CONNECTION TO HAVE QUICKLY YOUR
ASSESSMENT OF:
(A)
(B)
WHEN LEGCO IS LIKELY TO DEBATE THE SUBJECT:
WHETHER THE DEBATE WILL BE ON A SUBSTANTIVE MOTION (AND,
IF SO, ITS LIKELY WORDING) OR ON THE ADJOURNMENT.
6. WE SHALL ALSO BE GRATEFUL TO HAVE A REPORT OF YOUR 17
DECEMBER MEETING WITH LEGCO IN DUE COURSE.
HOWE
OCMIAN 5494
NNNN
YYYY
ΜΑΙΝ
LIMITED
HKD
SEAD
UND
PS/MR RENTON
MR GILLMORE
DR WILSON
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