TNAG-0678-FCO40-827-Allegations-of-corruption-and-bribery-in-Hong-Kong-1977 — Page 86

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5. Mr Galsworthy observed that a group of MPs specifically asked to look at the constitutional situation in Hong Kong would probably be more provocative to the Chinese than one that was investigating economic and social conditions. Lord Goronwy-Robert g said that the Committee's size, structure, terms of reference and form of final report would have to be carefully considered. Mr Ben Ford stressed that care would have to be taken to ensure that the committee did not undermine the Governor's position by making it look as though HMG had no confidence in him. However, hy thought that it would be a valuable way of demonstrating that the Colony was not out of reach of Westminster. He suggested that consideration might be given to reassuring Peking about the. nature of the investigation. Lord Goronwy-Roberts observed that the appointment of the committee could be presented as being at the suggestion of Hong Kong: the Governor could take the initiative:

the Secretary of State could then appoint the committee which would responsible to HMG.

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6. Mr James Johnson suggested that the aim of the committee would be to discover the state of the nation": it should be an honest, impartial investigation in depth basing itself on a genuine cross- section of opinion in Hong Kong. He suggested that its should bo composed of about six MPs, two of whom might be Privy Councillorn, perhaps former Colonial or Commonwealth Ministers from both major parties, accompanied by possibly four other back-benchers.

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7.

Lord Goronwy-Roberts pointed out that there was a question of timing to be considered in view of the Secretary of State's visit to Hong Kong in May. A possible solution would be for the Secretary of State to announce on his return from Hong Kong that, acting on a suggestion made by the Governor, such a committee would be appointed. In concluding, he agreed to look very closely at this proposal.

Hong Kong and Indian Ocean Department

13 February 1976

nc:

IKIOD PED

Mr armour

Mr Cortazzi

Mr Male

PS/Lord Goronwy-Roberts

PS/Mr Ennals

PS

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