TNAG-0439-FCO40-504-Ministerial-Visits-Committee-monthly-returns-from-Hong-Kong--1974 — Page 76

h

SECRET

Foreign and Commonwealth Office London SW1

RJE Abraham Esq DS 6

Ministry of Defence Main Building Whitehall

Telephone 01-

Your reference

Our reference

HKK 3/548/2

Date

21 August 1974

1~

Dear Robert

BRIEFINGS FOR LORD BRAYLEY AND FOR THE PARLIAMENTARY VISIT TO HONG KONG

1.

We discussed the timing of and briefings for these visits in the context of the Defence Review. I have since spoken to Nr Murgatroyd. We agreed that Lord Brayley, and to a lesser extent the parliamentarians who will be visiting Hong Kong next month, are likely to be questioned about the progress of the Defence iteview. You said that you were preparing a careful brief for your Hinister which would make it plain that, although the Governor had been consulted, nothing had been said to anyone else in Hong Kong, official and unofficial. The Minister should therefore exercise great public restraint while in Hong Kong. I think this is all right, since you will be able to explain the reasons for this restraint to Lord Brayley. But I would be grateful if particular care could be taken about this part of his briefing. Ministers have decided that the Hong Kong Government should be asked to pay as much as possible of the remaining cost of the garrison. The chances of this will certainly be prejudiced by any premature discussion in Hong Kong. Lord Brayley will of course be able to discuss all this quite frankly with the Governor.

2. We agreed that the visit of the parliamentarians was more difficult. This is being organised by the RAF as part of the normal Annual series of visits. In the past the Hong Kong Government have complained about the ignorance of these groups about facts relevant to the UK/Ilong Kong relationship. In the attempt to remedy this they have been given an oral briefing. But I understand that not all members of the group attended. I have agreed with Mr Murgatroyd that we would send additional written briefing on relevant questions.

3.

{

You pointed out however that there could be no certainty that the MP's will read the briefs or follow any suggested line. Nor, in the context of the Defence Review, could they be given any advance information on HMG's policy. I accept this. But I understand that in their oral briefing one of your Ministers warned the MPs to be Careful in discussing the Defence Review and you have undertaken to consider whether this warning could be underlined in some way.

SECRET

/4...

}