TNAG-1080-FCO40-1330-Implications-for-Hong-Kong-of-changes-in-the-British-nationa-1981 — Page 140

CONFIDENTIAL

-2-

I have had occasion, the Governor has recommended that either Mr Blaker

a permal Velegram from 14 Governor.

or the LPS should see them.

be available.

6.

However they, and Mr Luce, will not

Given the strength of feeling in Hong Kong on the

nationality issue, its importance in the context of UK/Hong Kong

political relations and the fact that Mr Whitelaw is to receive

the visitors, there is a strong case for Lord Carrington to see

them. This is reinforced by the Secretary of State's forthcoming

visit to Hong Kong, on which he will meet Unofficials. It would

be helpful if he had previously discussed their problems in

London.

7.

A call by the Unofficials on the Secretary of State before

they saw Mr Whitelaw would enable Lord Carrington to hear their

views and recommend that they discuss them in more detail with

the Home Secretary. It would not be possible to be more encouraging

a

but such conversation would be very useful in presentational terms.

Slip

R D Clift

27 January 1981

сс

PS/LPS

PS/Mr Blaker PS/Mr Luce

Mr Adams

Mr Jones, NTD

Hong Kong and General Department

support this fully. Of

Course

we

Cannot vorally disperse the fears in Hong

Kong, but presentationally it is important

寸

LEGCO to think

for the unofficial members of EXCO LEGCO

Thar

the Foreign Secretary and their point of view.

CONFIDENTIAL

the Governor

See

The subject will inevitably

/crop up