HKB 020/14
From:
ROY
Date:
CC:
Private Secretary
Miss Moun
W%
SITUATION IN CHINA: MEDIA INTEREST
RA Burns
News Department
5 June 1989
28
PS/Lord Glenarthur
Mr McLaren
Head, HKD
Head, FED
Mr Teasdale
1. We have had bids in from virtually every branch of radio and television for interviews with the Secretary of State about the situation in China and the implications for Hong Kong.
2. One possibility would be to pick a few (eg Channel 4, The World Tonight, World Service) and do them in Norman Shaw between 6.15 and 7pm. But there will be complaints and the Secretary of State will find that he has to repeat himself.
3. The alternative, and frankly tidier, way of proceeding would be for the Secretary of State to come down and talk to the journalists who will be assembled outside the FCO this afternoon once the Chinese Chargé has left. We could arrange for this organised
It need not "doorstep" to take place at the Ambassador's entrance. last more than 5 to 10 minutes. We would alert all those who have
expressed interest.
4. I think that it would be well for the Secretary of State to speak again to the media this afternoon. The China story is arousing intense interest, as are the reactions in Hong Kong. More seriously therefore are complaints from Hong Kong that local radio and TV there have not carried much of the Government's
reaction over the weekend. We need to repeat our message of concern
and reassurance.
5. The Secretary of State could repeat the points he was making
over the weekend, adding: