TNAG-0918-FCO40-1129-Human-rights-in-Hong-Kong-1977 — Page 22

ILUSKAALAM LAD

UNR 241 24.

CALL BY MR DAVID SIMPSON, DIRECTOR OF THE BRITISH SECTION', AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL, ON MR LUARD: THURSDAY, 25 NOVEMBER AT 11 AM: RECORD OF THE MAIN POINTS

Present:

Mr Evan Luard MP

Mr Smith

Mr Callan

Mr Baxter

Mr David Simpson

Amnesty International*

7

1.

Mr Simpson wished to explore the possibility that Amnesty International should make information on violations of human rights available to the FCO. They would be able to make special research efforts on request. He also wished to ask that Ministers visiting countries abroad should have a brief covering human rights. Their representations could be very effective.

2. Mr Luard stressed the difference between the position of Governments and that of NGOs, Members of Parliament and the public on human rights matters. As a general rule Governments had standing to act only in certain circumstances; NGOs had greater freedom, especially in giving publicity, and great effect. Parliamentary pressure was also important. The new all-Party Human Rights Group was a valuable development and he would welcome a more powerful Parliamentary lobby.

3. Mr Luard said that Ministers requesting briefing on human rights would always receive it. They would also receive it without request in cases where briefing would be incomplete without it. There was no lack of concern on HMG's part and he was examining how we could be more effective. Objective information about all countries was important.

RESTRICTED

14.