Mr Lyne
(EESD)
HONG KONG: LETTER FROM THE ROYAL SOCIETY
1. You have, I think, already received a copy of the letter, dated 11 July, that Dr Stoker, the Royal Society's 'Foreign Secretary' has sent to Mr Buxton, M&GD (copies attached, however, for FED, CRD, STD and M&GD).
2. Dr Stoker touches on what is politically a most sensitive point. (Copy addressees may be interested to read the back- ground, set out in Circular "0" 14/74 of 22 January 1974, to HMG's policy vis-a-vis applications for Hong Kong visas from Soviet and East European nationals). In my view, it would be unwise to reveal, leave alone in writing, to Dr Stoker, be he however discreet, all of the thinking behind the present tough line on visa applications. Hence I have kept my draft reply which is attached and on which I would be glad of your early comments - short to the point of abruptness.
3. As at present couched the draft is so short that it may well fail to placate Dr Stoker or his colleagues. Mr Morgan, the Head of CRDI has suggested that Mr Stewart, my own Head of department, might give Dr Stoker a ring before despatching the draft and give him some furhher general background. Something to the effect that "Past experience suggests that the Soviets and East Europeans, if granted visas for Hong Kong indiscrim- inately, might exploit this facility in a way detrimental to Sino-British relations over Hong Kong" might suffice. I would be grateful for your comments on such a method of proceeding as well as on this short speaking note.
19 July 1977
cc: Mr Orr (FED)
Mr Free-Gore (M&GD) Mr Cullis (CRD) Mr Lovelock (STD)
T J David
Hong Kong & General Department K 245
233 4777
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