Mr
HKC040
RY
6 W 1990
FGISTRY
FROM: A R Pay!
Action Taken
we spoke,
Hong Kong Department
DATE: 12 February 1990
Ms Hancock, HK)
Thank you
a you will be doży be doing Summary Rust.
McLaren
MEETING WITH THE BRITISH COUNCIL OF CHURCHES DELEGATION, 3.00 PM
12 FEBRUARY
A
B
C
1. You have agreed to receive today a delegation from the British Council of Churches before the delegation's visit to Hong Kong on
27 February.
2. The British Council of Churches represents most denominations of
the Christian faith in the UK (the Roman Catholic church will become
a member this year). It has traditionally taken a close interest in
international affairs. The delegation will be led by Dr John
Habgood, Archbiship of York and the Rev Bernard Thorogood. General
Secretary of the United Reformed Church. Their hosts for their
visit to Hong Kong are the Hong Kong Christian Council.
3. The delegation is keen to discuss with you any issues that their
hosts in Hong Kong may raise during the visit.
A resolution adopted by the General Assembly of the British
Council of Churches on 22 November gives an indication of what the
churches' concerns may be. The resolution calls on the Government
to make rapid progress towards a directly elected legislature in
Hong Kong, to grant a right of abode to all Hong Kong British
passport holders and to seek international guarantees for the Bill of Rights. On 12 December, the British Council of Churches also issued a statement criticising the compulsory repatriation of Vietnamese Boat People.
4.
Note.
Ms Hancock of this department will attend the meeting to take a
ARPEN
AR Paul
COPADC
7