TNAG-1155-FCO40-1435-Visits-by-Members-of-Parliament-(MPs)-to-Hong-Kong-1982 — Page 293

Seveta of State

..... Никогор

CONFIDENTIAL

*

Private Secretary Secretary

W

Pimb19

Clift (HRGD)

Thankyan

Seef106

Juthals

A

CALL BY THE RT HON DR DAVID OWEN MP ON THE SECRETARY OF STATE AT 11.00 ON 19 AUGUST

1. Dr Owen intends to give a speech in Hong Kong on 1 September

which will touch on the question of Hong Kong's future. Mr McQuade's

see (96 submission of 16 August gives the background.

2. Since Dr Owen's speech may well be regarded in Hong Kong and

China as reflecting the views of HMG, the Secretary of State may

wish to give him some general briefing for his own information,

and to suggest a line to take in his speech. I think it would

be necessary to be relatively frank with Dr Owen, as a former Privy

Councillor, in order to justify asking him to steer clear of

speculation about a settlement.

3. Attached are some points for the Secretary of State to make,

together with some notes for handing over to Dr Owen. I shall

be present for the call.

R D Clift

18 August 1982

Hong Kong and General Department

сс

Mr Giffard FED

CONFIDENTIAL