TNAG-0525-FCO40-620-Visit-of-UK-Members-of-Parliament-(Defence-and-External-Affa-1975 — Page 156

CONFIDENTIAL

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BRIEFING FOR THE DEFENCE AND EXTERNAL AFFAIRS SUB-COMMITTEE

1.

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The briefing for the Sub-Committee will take place at 11.30 a.m. on Tuesday 11 November in Committee room 7 at the House of Commons.

The briefing on Hong Kong will be led by Mr O'Keeffe and he will be supported by Mr Martin (FLD), Mr Dart (Economists Dept.) and a representative from the MOD, each of whom will be taking those subjects allotted to them in your minute of 10 October.

2.

I have heard from Mr Sloman (PCCU) that the DEASC held an informal meeting on Tuesday 4 November, presumably to discuss their forthcoming visit to Hong Kong. The Clerk to the Sub-Committee has told Mr Sloman that members showed considerable interest in the recent defence costs negotiations. This morning we have had a letter from the Clerk of the Committee asking for a background paper by Friday 7 November on the constitutional position of the Governor as a representative of the Hong Kong Government in negotiations with HMG. They have also asked for a written background brief on Hong Kong by Friday. I attach a draft paper, cleared by the Legal Advisers, on the constitutional position of the Governor and also an up-dated in-confidence background brief (amended in para. 25 to take account of Mr Rodgers's visit) which Mr Sloman agrees will be appropriate to the Sub-Committee's needs. I have confirmed with him that any written material given to the Committee may be published: want to bear this in mind when reading the attached papers.

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3.

I have also pointed out to Mr Sloman that after the Committee has received these two documents, there is not a great deal further to be said on the internal administration of Hong Kong, the subject upon which KIOD is tasked with briefing them. He agreed, saying that he anticipated that the briefing session would in fact become a question- and-answer session. Subject to your views, I do not consider that a speaking note is now necessary.

CODE 18-77

5 November 1975

вратный

RB Janvrin

Hong Kong & Indian Ocean Dept.

CONFIDENTIAL