TNAG-0786-FCO40-990-Policy-of-Government-of-Hong-Kong-on-labour-and-trade-union--1978 — Page 220

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5. This puts us in an awkward situation. Other things being equal, it would be best if the Hong Kong Government could arrange for the Legislative Council Question to be deferred for a week so that further attempts can be made to persuade Mr Cryer to issue some form of retraction. But this may not be possible (the text of the question and the fact that it is due to be answered on 16 August have been made public), and may in any case be undesirable in view of the interest now being shown by the Hong Kong press.

6. I therefore recommend that the Acting Governor be given discretion to reply to the LegCo Question on lines which would make it clear that the remarks made by Mr Cryer did not reflect the views of the Government. A self-explanatory draft telegram to Hong Kong is attached. Mr Cryer's office have accepted that

there is no alternative to this course of action in the circumstances.

14 August 1978

Revängum

R JT McLaren

Hong Kong and General Department

1.

In view of Mr Cryer's refusal to agree to any retraction, I see no alternative to allowing the Hong Kong Government to disown him in terms which would make it clear that they have the support of the UK Government; unless the statement can be postponed, and Sir D Roberts may judge that to attempt this would cause more harm than good. I therefore agree with the draft telegram, which should issue as soon as possible, certainly not later than mid-day tomorrow.

2. If the Hong Kong Government makes its statement, I fear this

CONFIDENTIAL