CONFIDENTIAL
4.
I spent several hours with Winston Lord in
Washington last week. He was at pains to emphasise to me
that in his present job he should not be regarded as a
human rights activist, citing the fact that he was
Kissinger's right-hand man on Vietnam as evidence to the
contrary. He also told me clearly that on Hong Kong the
US "would follow the UK's lead. As the situation
developed they would welcome advice on what would and
would not be useful". I am pretty sure, therefore that if
the Governor decided not to receive the award on this
visit Winston Lord would understand a careful explanation.
5.
It is a difficult judgement. But in my view the
priority should be not to put at risk the prospects of
success in the talks for the sake of an event which is not
essential. I think the Governor could best reply simply
to the effect that he is grateful for the offer but it has
come too late to be fitted into his programme. I do not
think he need commit himself now to receiving the award on
a visit next year. He could then explain to Winston Lord
that the timing, just as talks were under way, was particularly delicate.
6.
It is helpful to know from Mr Dinham that he
believes the Governor would accept something on these
I have revised the halt tatagram.
lines.
folm
toles.
Sir John Coles
CONFIDENTIAL