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Secretary of State to comment on the issues of Vietnamese boat
people, nationality and political development which are on the
agenda.
12. The next item on the programme is a meeting with representatives of the Civil Service and Police. This has been arranged at the initiative of the Hong Kong Government. The aim
will be for the Secretary of State to convey a reassuring message
about the future and about HMG's commitment to Hong Kong and to express appreciation for what they are doing. The Secretary of State will be expected to make some opening remarks. There will then be a question and answer session. A speaking note and brief
is attached (Brief No 8). It should be read in conjunction with
Background Brief (g) on Civil Service issues.
13.
The final item on day 3 is the meeting with OMELCO, followed
by dinner. A brief is attached (Brief No 6). The dominant issues are likely to be nationality, representative government
and Vietnamese boat people. The usual format is for the Secretary of State to make some very brief opening remarks, after which OMELCO members make presentations on the key issues, to which the Secretary of State responds. There are clear signs that OMELCO intend to adopt a higher political profile, both in Hong Kong and in this country. Their decision to open a permanent Office in London is an example of this. Material giving some background to this decision is appended to the brief.
Day 4: Tuesday 16 January
14. The final day of the programme will begin with a meeting
with the Executive Council (Brief No 7). The Secretary of State may wish to open the meeting by saying a few words about his personal approach to Hong Kong and the key issues. EXCO members will want to speak mostly on Vietnam Boat People, Nationality, Political Development, the Bill of Rights and the Basic Law. Secretary of State may wish to sound out EXCO about the idea of a quick turn round scheme, and possibly about their attitude
The
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