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CONFIDENTIAL COVERING SECRET
BRIEF
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OBJECTS
1.
HONG KONG: VISIT BY THE GOVERNOR, 19-24 JULY
The principal objects of the discussions with the Governor are:
a) to agree a plan of action to be implemented over the next
5 years and designed to improve working conditions in the Colony; to accelerate social reform with appropriate fiscal support; and to initiate stitutional change;
b) to discuss ways of managing the relationship between Britain and Hong Kong in the future with particular reference to the system whereby the plan of action can be effectively monitored from London; and
c) to reassure him that the Planning Paper implies no lack of confidence in his administration of the Colony.
The discussions will centre on the Planning Paper (copy attached) in
the form in which this emerged from the discussions with the Colonial Secretary during the latter's recent visit to London, with some minor changes made in the light of comments by the PUS.
2.
A copy of the Planning Paper is being submitted to the Secretary of State.
It is our hope that, after his talk with the Governor on 22 July, the Secretary of State will approve it as a definitive statement of our present policy. In discussions with
other Ministers and at the official level we do not expect there to
be much further examination of the sections dealing with British
interest, the interests of the Hong Kong population, the Chinese interest, and the aims of external policy over the next decade. Attention will thus focus on Section V dealing with internal policies of the Hong Kong Government and Section VI dealing with the United Kingdom/Hong Kong relations. While there is now agreement on substance here, there are several points which will need to be emphasised. There are also a number of points in the Governor's letter of 2 July to Mr Cortazzi which will need to be clarified.
CONFIDENTIAL COVERING SECRET
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Private notes are available after approval.