TNAG-0747-FCO40-951-Visits-of-Foreign-and-Commonwealth-officials-to-Hong-Kong-1978 — Page 87

CONFIDENTIAL

2

4.

(b)

(c)

(d)

Sir Y K Kan and Sir S Gordon) shared this view and thought that, although something would have to be done within about the next five years, the right time had not yet come. Later there was a question about how far Britain would support the continued existence of Hong Kong. Mr Cortazzi said there were perhaps some who would like to give up long Kong, but they were a small number and none of them were in a position of influence in the Government or whitehall. In any case it was inconceivable to him that any decisions would be taken in London about the future of Hong Kong without the fullest consultation with Hong Kong.

The British Nationality Green Paper. Sir Y K Kan referred to concern about the Green Paper and his own impression that some of those in London, e.g., Lord Goronwy-Roberts, had not fully understood Hong Kong's feelings on the subject. Mr Cortazzi said that consideration of a new Nationality Law was not directed against Hong Kong. He saw no chance of a new law being passed during the present session of Parliament. UMELCO Could be sure that, when something was done, Hong Kong's views would be taken fully into account. He thought they should make sure these views were repeated at suitable intervals.

Publicity for Hong Kong in Britain. present wondered if Hong Kong's publicity effort ought not to be increased. Mr Cortazzi said that he thought good work was already being done by the Hong Kong Government and its London office. His own feeling was that the level was about right. Above all, he felt that it was useful to keep the heat away from Hong Kong in terms of publicity.

Some of those

Kr

British exports to Hong Kong. There was some discussion on recent orders for British goods. Cortazzi (supported notably by Mr Bremridge) emphasised how important it was that Hong Kong should be seen in Britain as a good market for British goods. London was giving all possible support to the work of the British Trade Commission here.

My impression was that the meeting went well. The atmosphere was reasonably relaxed. Mr Cortazzi took pains to emphasise that he wanted to hear what people in Hong Kong had to say and members of UMELCO were being careful not to be abrasive.

сс

(D C Wilson)

PA 27.4.78

HAH Cortazzi Esq CMG

DUS FCO

CONFIDENTIAL