TNAG-0588-FCO40-721-Publications-on-Hong-Kong-affairs-in-UK-Fabian-Society-pamph-1976 — Page 33

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PS/Lord Gorowy-Roberts

MEETING BETWEEN LORD GORONWY-ROBERTS AND MR JAMES JOHNSON MP AT

11.00 A.M. ON WEDNESDAY 11 FEBRUARY

1.

A

Mr James Johnson MP (Labour Kingston upon Hull, West) has written to Lord Goronwy-Roberts seeking an appointment to discuss conditions in Hong Kong with particular reference to the recent Fabian Society pamphlet "Hong Kong: Britain's Responsibility". meeting has been arranged for 11.00 a.m. on Wednesday 11 February. Mr James Johnson may be accompanied by one or two others including perhaps Mr Ben Ford MP.

2.

Mr Johnson maintains a close interest in Hong Kong and has asked a number of questions in the past year on corruption. (He has three questions down for answer on this subject on 18 February. Hong Kong have not yet supplied all the information necessary for the preparation of replies.) He visited Hong Kong with Mr Ben Ford in April 1974.

3.

This Department submitted on the Fabian pamphlet (attached with a summary) when it was published, recommending a line for News Department in the event of press enquiries (Mr Milton's submission of 26 January 1976). In fact, there was comparatively little press reaction to the publication in this country. There is, however, a good deal of Parliamentary interest: besides

Mr Johnson's request to see Lord Goronwy-Roberts, there are at least ten Parliamentary Questions outstanding which are clearly inspired by the Fabian Society pamphlet.

4.

I submit speaking notes for Lord Goronwy-Roberts's meeting with Mr Johnson, covering:

(a)

(b)

general remarks about the approach taken by the pamphlet; comments on the major criticisms made by the study; (c) comments on its recommendations.

and

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