-2-
Thirdly, we suggest adding the following sentence on CT9 on page 2 at the end of the tiret on economic matters:
"CT9 is already running late because of the delay in reaching political agreement to proceed.”
As far as the defensive ġ & A are concerned, we are content with your draft we have just one amendment to suggest to the answer on the Ming Pao reporter. Ming Pao are anxious that we should not be - and should not be seen to be closely involved in efforts to secure the reporter's release, as they believe that would be
counter-productive.
We suggest amending the second
tiret of this answer to read:
"Know that recent cases involving Hong Kong journalists working in China have caused concern. In the latest case of the Ming Pao reporter, the Chief Editor of the newspaper has been pursuing the matter with the Chinese authorities. We have also asked the Chinese authorities for clarification of the facts. We will consider whether there is more we can do once we know the facts."
We also suggest three additional defensive Q & A, which I attach to this letter.
It occurs to us here that you may need to contact us overnight, HK time, tonight should there be any surprising developments at the talks requiring major revision of the Secretary of State's statement. I will be at home on (852) 522 1254, or contactable through the Government House switchboard (852 523 2031).
You
ene
Matin
(Martin Dinham)
Personal Adviser to the Governor
Christopher Hum Esq
AUSS
UKMis New York
се
Peter Ricketts Esq
Hong Kong Department