CONFIDENTIAL
4.
An interview on the World Service, which would be broadcast on
the RTHK channel in Hong Kong, would provide an excellent
opportunity to underline our strong commitment to Hong Kong and our
determination to discharge fully our responsibilities towards the territory. But it would be very desirable that we should pick our moment carefully and try to identify a suitable peg for such an interview that would appeal inparticular to a Hong Kong audience. One obvious opportunity would be the point at which we are able to
confirm our decision in principle to resettle an additional 1,000 Vietnamese refugees from Hong Kong.
5. I suggest that it would be sensible to regard the World Service exercise in a somewhat different light, and in a different time
scale, from the three point plan put forward by Mr Burns. In the
UK, the current focus of attention is on the Basic Law and the pace of development of democracy in Hong Kong. This is an important
preoccupation in Hong Kong too. But Hong Kong perspectives and
overall preoccupations differ from those of the British media.
key message to get across to a Hong Kong audience is that of
commitment and responsibility. A reassuring message on a subject
such as boat people would be particularly helpful.
The
6. The subject of media coverage and policy presentation will
undoubtedly feature in the Secretary of State's talks with the
Governor on 21 February. Sir D Wilson will doubt be able to give further advice on this specific aspect.
ARPanc
AR PAUL
CONFIDENTIAL