CONFIDENTIAL
Reference
B
C
of tactics rather than choices of strategy.
4.
Another problem is the potential overlap between what
the Secretary of State has in mind and the "brainstorming" dinner hosted by Lord Caithness in mid-March. (see attached minute from 24 April). The people invited to that include
many who would be most suitable for the proposed lunch (see attached account and guest list). We could think of one or
two others eg. Lord MacLehose maybe. And, as a general stimulator of discussion (in lieu of Edward Mortimer), someone like Simon Jenkins, Editor of the Times, who enjoys being provocative. But the pool of useful participants is
not vast.
5.
Before carrying the matter further it might be worth considering if we should reverse the purpose of the Hong Kong sandwich lunch and, instead of using it as an occasion to bring in outside views and expertise, turn it into an opportunity to educate key interested people (newspaper editors, MPs, businessmen) as to the problems and purposes of our present policy on Hong Kong. Some of the same participants as attended Lord Caithness' dinner might be included but the mix and the purpose
would be different.
K. Sanders
KAM Saunders
Hong Kong Department
2 May 1991
cc: Mr Cox
Mr Major
Mr Stone
Mr Morris
I enclosure at
"C" not included.
CODE 18-77
HUGADQ/2
CONFIDENTIAL