12 November 1992
Lord Bethell, MEP 73 Sussex Square LONDON
W2 2SS
مر
нив
MIB 236/2
Foreign & Commonwealth
Office
Me keters
London SWIA 2AH
From The Minister of State
15/11
Mrr wish
A
pa
Dea Weildas
attiched
Thank you for your letter of 4/November about Hong Kong.
I am glad that you support Chris Patten and what he is trying to achieve in Hong Kong. As you know he has the full backing of the Government. We are convinced that his
Constitutional package offers the best way forward over the next five years.
We knew that the Chinese would not be happy with a number of his proposals. You will have seen that they are now mounting a very intense propaganda campaign against them and Chris Patten personally. We keep encouraging them to talk seriously, and put forward proposals. Meanwhile the polls show that public support for Chris Patten is holding up well and the markets are taking the long view.
I would be happy to talk if you would like. Perhaps your Secretary could arrange a time with my Private Secretary, Greg Dorey, on 071-270-2090.
tha
ALASTAIR GOODLAD