CONFIDENTIAL
wrongly, that we are trying to control them, or are
ignoring their interests. Many believe that we take
advantage of Hong Kong's success to support an ailing
British economy. They also resent it if their views,
for example on the death penalty, are over-ridden by
parliamentary considerations in the UK.
3.
The Governor is in a difficult position. He
cannot be seen primarily as an agent and advocate for
an
British, without forfeiting local support. We have
no independent mission in Hong Kong to put the British
case; nor could we appear to quarrel with our own
Governor. There is therefore a problem of public
relations. The Prime Minister's visit from 12-14
January will be an opportunity to put this right.
4. He will be questioned about relations with
China, particularly the Chinese Government's
request for an official representative in Hong Kong.
This is being dealt with separately. Questions on
relations with Britain will focus on a number of
problems that have been under discussion for some
time. Separately none of these issues is vital.
Together they are important. On them Hong Kong base
their judgment of the UK's intentions towards them,
and therefore their own confidence in their future.
To promote confidence we need to be able to satisfy
opinion in Hong Kong on these specific issues.
5.
We do not need to be defensive. Our aim should
be to promote Britain as a successful and forward
looking society.
Apart from defence, which is a
sensitive subject in Hong Kong as a result of
periodic arguments
ver their defence contributi
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