TNAG-0786-FCO40-990-Policy-of-Government-of-Hong-Kong-on-labour-and-trade-union--1978 — Page 221

2.

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will cause more fuss than Mr Cryer's remarks justify, and I do not discount the possibility that the UK press will pick up the fact that a junior Minister has been disowned, apparently on instructions from London. The Minister of State should be aware of this. He should also know that while Mr Cryer's Private Office have accepted that the Hong Kong Government must say something (either on 16 August, or later if there is a postponement), and that what is said must be authorised from London, the actual wording of the telegram has not been cleared with the Department of Industry, since clearly Mr Cryer's Private Secretary could not do this without consulting his own Minister - who would be most unlikely to agree.

3. If Lord Goronwy-Roberts authorises the telegram, I think it would be highly desirable for him then to write to Mr Cryer explaining that the latter's refusal to retract left Ministers with no alternative but to authorise the statement in terms which showed that they did not support Mr Cryer. In addition, Lord Goronwy-Roberts might wish to have a word on the telephone before- hand with Mr Varley, if he is available, to explain our predicament and the action which may reflect on his junior Minister.

authorised

14 August 1978

Mr Muray.

DF Murray

have discussed their submission with the Minister. In his view Mr Cryer should be given the opportunity to reply to the Minister's letter to hing

11st August. The Minister therefore hopes that the reply to the Leglo question can be the following week. If Mr

postponed until

has lust

Cuger has

replied to the amnister's letter by, say, 22 August (or replies refusing to retract) then the Minister is content to let the

4 draft Telegram isme

as amended

utan

14

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Disa

in Jones. Now see Fro Kel No 627 to Hongking

cussed with Mr Murray & Me Jones

14/6