TNAG-0438-FCO40-503-Visits-of-UK-Members-of-Parliament--to-Hong-Kong-including-v-1974 — Page 16

From:

R JE ABRAHAM

SECRET

Head of Defence Secretariat 6

MINISTRY OF DEFENCE

Main Building Whitehall London SW1A 2HB

Telephone XXxxxx 218 2241

8

Your reference

A C Stuart

Hong Kong and Indian Ocean Department Foreign and Commonwealth Office London SW1

Our reference

D/DS6 34/303

Date

2 September 1974

10 SEP 1974

*

LAST

jear Stuart.

+=<12/548/2

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1340

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BRIEFINGS FOR THE PARLIAMENTARY VISIT TO HONG KONG

Reference: Your letter HKK 3/548/2 of 21 August 1974.

As you will know I was hoping to speak to you on Friday 30 August, before setting off on leave. However this did not prove possible and I am, therfore, asking Mr Marchant to sign this letter to you on my behalf.

2. In the Reference you referred to the planned visit of a party of MPs to Hong Kong in September. You expressed anxiety about the damage which might be done, if they expressed views on the Defence Review implications for Hong Kong. You asked us to consider whether there were any steps we could take to guide them to keep off the subject.

3. We have looked at this point very carefully. I have spoken with Desmond Bryars here. Our conclusion, is however, that there would have to be great caution in considering any action, which might be construed by the MPs themselves as an attempt to limit their freedom of speech. This is particularly so with talk of an election in the air. We feel the members of the party might be inclined to argue that left to themselves they could be expected to express a variety of views, if they choose to comment, and that this in itself would cut down any risk there might be that their position as an all party group from the House of Commons would be misunderstood in Hong Kong. In any case can we seriously say to an MP at present in the Opposition that they should not indicate that a new Government of a different complexion would intend to meet the essential Defence needs of Hong Kong or whatever?

4.

On the whole, therefore, we think it would be better to fight shy of any attempt to influence MPs on this occasion, but would be glad to discuss the matter further if you wish.

Yours sincerely,

J.c. Marchons

for R.J.E. ABRAHAM

SECRET