1
CONFIDENTIAL
We consider that these are matters which should be raised
through you. No indication can be given of Her Majesty's Governments attitude towards them since the proposals are more the concern of other Ministries, which would need to be consulted. Such an approach to other Ministries would not, however be undertaken in the absence of any formal approach from you.
As you will appreciate it would run counter to public policy in this country to establish special schools or classes for Chinese children, even if this were in fact practicable for so small and scattered a community.
The reply might say that these are matters which must first be considered by the Hong Kong Government, but that the Secretary of State had expressed his willingess to consider what assistance might be possible if specific proposals were put to hin.
(iii) Dissemination in Britain of information about Hong Kong
There has been a noticeable increase in the amount of material put out by the Hong Kong Government Information Services for distribution, both in this country and in other countries where there are substantial overseas Chinese communities. We have in mind such publications as the Hong Kong News Digest, which is now distributed free to the Chinese community in this country. It is to be hoped that this momentum will be maintained and, if possible increased in the future. The British Information network has been working in close collaboration with the Hong Kong Government Information Services with a view to presenting to the world a balanced picture of development in Hong Kong. But in view of the traditional independence of the Press and other mass communications media in this country, any attempt to bring official influence to bear would defeat its own object. Subject to your views, a reply might be returned along these lines.
(iv) Lack of leadership in the Chinese communities in Britain
The substance of this proposal is not clear and the delegation did not expand on it in the course of their discussions. We understand, however, that it relates to a suggestion that a committee consisting of leading Hong Kong Chinese from various parts of Britain might be set up to advise the Hong Kong Chinese Liaison Office on problems affecting the Chinese community here, to facilitate contact between the Office and Chinese living away from London and to provide some form of recognised leadership within the community. The suggestion was one originally made by Mr. Sedgwick to the delegates in the course of a discussion of their mission and will be considered further in Mr.Lai's official report on his own mission. It would appear to be for you to decide in due course whether the idea is worth pursuing. The reply might indicate that this is a matter which the
Secretary of State understands the Hong Kong Government has under consideration.
CONFIDENTIAL
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