香港總督府
$5,016
WH11320/1
GOVERNMENT HOUSE
HONG KONG
xS
IN
CONFIDENTIAL
Kopyto PS/PUS
Диват
27 May 1991
Sir 5 Coles
гламо-пистрийсь the labour spokennen. What- ane the propieties of makingo diniel-approach?
Labour Party Policy on Hong Kong
А
I mentioned to you on a couple of occasions recently what has been said by George Foulkes, in his capacity as Labour Party Spokesman, on policy towards Hong Kong.
Yesterday's Sunday newspapers have the latest example. I attach a copy.
t
Ilui
I think it is time somebody had a word with George Foulkes who is a nice enough person, but who probably has little idea of the implications of what he is saying or the way it is picked up here. Whatever he thinks about the present incumbent, it is not very sensible to declare publicly that the Party intends to replace the Governor particularly when, as in most cases, this is coupled with the idea that the next Governor will be a local Chinese.
As for extending local democracy, that is fine so far as it goes. But they would be wise not to get themselves too tied to a commitment which they might find difficult to implement in practice if they came into office. On Vietnamese boat people they will need to find a viable alternative if they are to oppose forced repatriation as a matter of Party policy. Will that include taking substantially more people to the UK?
a