Ms Saunders
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this 011 / 3 011/3
FROM: P Ricketts, HKD DATE:
30 December 1991
cc: Mr Stone
Mr Cox o/r
ANNUAL REPORT ON HONG KONG: 1991
file
48
1. Many thanks for showing me the first draft of the annual report on Hong Kong. I know that Section Heads are looking at their respective bits: but it may be useful to have some quick reactions from me.
2.
I think the draft is wooden, but not too bad as a basis. I have done a bit of editorial work myself to try to tighten up the drafting in a number of places. It could be further tightened up.
3.
On the substance, you will want to check the section on Hong Kong and China with FED, and on VBPs with SEAD.
As a general comment, the draft tends to shy away from controversial issues. I have added a reference to next steps on the Court of Final Appeal. I think we also need short passages on:-
4.
importation of labour (page 12);
incursions by armed Chinese security personnel (page 22);
and (subject to Mr Stone's views) something on RTHK corporatisation and telecommunications policy (if there have been HKG announcements on these).
You kindly undertook to produce a first draft of the Secretary of State's forward. I suggest that this should focus on two themes:
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the airport agreement, the PMs visit and the consequential boost to confidence in Hong Kong and (hoped for) acceleration of work in the JLG;
the development of democracy, including a pledge to work with the new LegCo.
P Ricketts
LOPAHO
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