TNAG-0588-FCO40-721-Publications-on-Hong-Kong-affairs-in-UK-Fabian-Society-pamph-1976 — Page 64

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Mr Male

Mr Larmour

CONFIDENTIAL

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PS/Lord Goronwy-Roberts

FABIAN PAMPHLET ON HONG KONG

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The Fabian Society are publishing a pamphlet (attached with summary) on 25 January entitled "Hong Kong: Britain's responsibility" by Joe England of Warwick University (formerly of Hong Kong University). We may receive press enquiries about the pamphlet and, in particular, its recommendations.

2. In my view, the pamphlet puts forward a moderate and reasonably argued case. Its main theme is that HMG should adopt a more active and, in practice, paternalistic approach to Hong Kong. Where it falls down is in placing too much emphasis on the past and in not giving sufficient acknowledgement to the progress made in improving

conditions in Hong Kong.

3. I attach a copy of the Hong Kong Government's confidential assessment of the pamphlet (Hong Kong telno 59). The Governor has asked that it should be submitted to Lord Goronwy-Roberts (Hong Kong telno 58). He has also suggested that it might be distributed to "interested but not hostile MPs" and, on a non-attributable basis, to selected journalists. I think that Hong Kong's assessment of the pamphlet is fair and non-controversial and could be distributed as suggested by the Governor in response to enquiries from the sort of persons he has in mind. I do not think we should take the initiative in distributing the assessment.

4. I also attach a copy of a draft press release (Hong Kong telno 60), which the Hong Kong Government proposes to issue locally, if necessary, after publication of the pamphlet. The Hong Kong Government Office in London, with whom we are in close touch, may

also issue the release here, depending upon the number and nature of any enquiries they receive. While it would not be appropriate for News Department to issue the press release, I see no reason why

they should not draw upon it in dealing with any enquiries they may

receive.

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