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Mo Milanen
Maraud
Аланина
CONFIDENTIAL
Mfant
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FROM:
A R Paul
DATE:
Why not get the Col to arrange a classic new portman's tour of all the UK political parties just withery do for the find!"
Mr Lidington
Hong Kong Department
1 June 1990
4
CC:
Mr McLaren
Mr Burns
HKB 010 13
RECEIVED IN BEGISTRY
fungiems. RA31/vi
VISIT OF MARIA TAM TO THE UK: AUGUST 1990
1.
19 JUN 1990
DESK OF ICEK
INDEX
HA
18
I have heard that Maria Tam, a leading member of the Executive Council in Hong Kong, will be visiting the UK in August. She is currently engaged in forming a moderate political party (likely to be called the "Liberal Democratic Party") and is in need of advice about the organisation of a political party, particularly at the constituency level.
2.
It seems to me very desirable that Maria Tam should be encouraged in this direction. All the indications at present are that the liberal/democrats (ie Martin Lee et al) are making the running, whilst the moderates have scarcely begun to get their act together. This would not make for a happy scenario in the 1991 LegCo elections.
3. On the other hand, it would not be a good thing if HMG appeared in any way to be directly involved in assisting Maria Tam. That would play very badly in Hong Kong. It does occur to me, however, that someone in the Conservative Party Central Office might well be able to arrange some useful briefing for her. It may even be that there are more concrete ways in which discreet help can be given. (I understand that an official of the Canadian Liberal Party has visited Hong Kong several times at his own expense to advise Maria Tam and her fellow organisers.)
SB1AAQ
CONFIDENTIAL