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f.
The proposal is necessary for stability etc.
g.
It is in Britain's own interest to keep Hong Kong going (investments etc). It is also a matter of reputation and honour which neither the Government or the House can ignore.
The Secretary of State would like to see draft building blocks of this kind in his Easter working box (which closes at noon on Thursday 12 April). He would also like strong detailed defensive briefing for dealing with interventions. This should include (Mr Lidington please) a piece on Conservative immigration policy and election pledges. also need to cover Mr Heseltine's likely contribution to the debate ie his suggestion that Parliament should have a continuing say in the rate of release of passports.
It will
9 April 1990
CC:
PS/Mr Maude Mr Gillmore
Mr McLaren Mr Lidington
(R N Peirce)
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