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(Except where indicated, this brief should also serve for the
meeting with the Urban Council and the Press Conference).
(A special note on Nationality for use with the Press is provided
but may need amendment in Hong Kong). The meeting with UMELCO
should provide a useful opportunity for the Secretary of State
to reiterate HMG's support for Hong Kong, while at the same time
as necessary reminding the Unofficials of the economic facts which
oblige Britain to adopt a tighter financial attitude generally
towards the dependencies, eg defence costs, higher education fees,
as in other directions.
MEETING WITH THE URBAN COUNCIL
9.. The points in paragraphs 4, 5 and 8 may be raised (Brief No 21).
Other questions are likely to include the White Paper on District
Administration. (Broj No 13)
PRESS CONFERENCE
10. The Press Conference will be open to both the international
and local press.
The latter will be concerned with both relations
between Hong Kong and the UK and Hong Kong's relationship with
China. Many of the questions will be on topics which will have
been discussed with Unofficials (Brief No 21).
SUPPORTING PAPERS
11. A copy of the Governor's Annual Review is attached for general
background (Brief No 22).
Hong Kong and General Department
March 1981
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