CONFIDENTIAL
I think the Secretary of State intended to have a word with Mr Hurd at some stage in the light of his discussion with the Governor. But it would not in any case be practicable for him to do this until after his return from South East Asia. In the meantime I agree that there would be merit in sending a reply to Mr Hurd's minute, both to welcome Home Office readiness to make up the shortfall in filling the agreed 468 resettlement places, and to make it clear that, given the changed circumstances in Hong Kong, we cannot go along with Mr Hurd's view that "we should resist any attempts to extend our commitment beyond the previously agreed limits"
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2. A campaign to wrest a new commitment from the Home Office (and No 10) will no doubt be difficult and protracted. A relatively short minute to follow up Lord Glena r thur's discussion with Mr Renton seems right at this early stage.
30 March 1988
wanden
RJT McLaren