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scope for this sort of administrative confidence building
measure.
Another reason for writing is to reiterate the suggestion made in my earlier letter of 13 May. I believed there was a good case for recommending that the Home Secretary himself should see the LegCo Delegation if at all possible. I recognise that Michael Howard must have many calls on his time in these early weeks in his new post. But this delegation next week could be effective in stirring up press and parliamentary interest in their case. I will be writing to those in Parliament who we know will be lobbied, setting out our case. But a presentation by the Home Secretary would show that we are taking seriously Hong Kong concerns over both the proposed BNO registration programme and the question of the ethnic minority's future in Hong Kong It would also be the most authoritative way of setting out positions which will be unpalatable to the Hong Kong Delegation (especially on the ethnic minority question). In particular, a first-hand account from the Home Secretary on the limitations on his powers to exercise discretion under the BNA 1981 would be salutary for the delegation, and might preempt ill-considered lobbying in future.
Abesti
ALASTAIR GOODLAD
lt.wardle.NAT
CONFIDENTIAL
JEB