CONFIDENTIAL

make better use of this resource.

A

B

4.

I suggest two projects:

Category I (ie all expenses paid by HMG)

(a) Invitations to four up-and-coming Hong Kong

politicians to come to London as a group for a programme centred on the working of Parliament and British political

parties. This would help to fulfil the Secretary of State's undertaking to Mrs Gorman, who was concerned that Britain was failing to help the new political parties in Hong Kong.

It would also demonstrate HMG's commitment to the

development of democracy in the territory. The candidates

chosen should reflect all the major political groupings in

Hong Kong (see Annex B) and should be as representative as

possible. We must avoid accusations of bias. The four

individuals on the attached are illustrative. We should

consult the Governor further about how to get the balance

right, and about timing (it might be advisable, and more

practicable, to wait until after the September LegCo

elections before going firm on the invitation).

Category II (ie expenses in UK met by HMG)

(b) Invitations to three senior local Hong Kong Government officials, likely to rise to the top. This would

help us to build up closer contacts with the future leaders

in the Hong Kong administration and hopefully to strengthen

their morale and commitment. The fact that they come over

to the UK regularly does not matter: we could take advantage of their next scheduled visit to lay on a really good programme including calls on Ministers and other important

people.

SUYAPB/2

ARR во

A R Paul

CONFIDENTIAL

Gand admeć

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7/vi

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