TNAG-1155-FCO40-1435-Visits-by-Members-of-Parliament-(MPs)-to-Hong-Kong-1982 — Page 299

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relationship between Hong Kong, China and the United Kingdom and

possible solutions to the 1997 lease problem.

5.

His Office has asked for briefing for Dr Owen if we think it

would be useful. When"we first learnt of Dr Owen's visit and the

Governor offered to accommodate him and help with any arrangements

for his brief stay, the Governor believed that the theme of

Dr Owen's talk would be 'steady nerves'. Now that it is to be about

the 1997 problem, the Governor is concerned that what Dr Owen might

say in his speech might be construed locally as reflecting briefing

by the Governor.

6.

The Governor had thought of seeking to have the speaking

engagement cancelled but considers that at this late stage cancellation

might do more harm than good. It is being emphasised therefore that

the engagement is a private one and the Governor is curtailing

attendance by Hong Kong Government officials to a minimum and below

the most senior level.

7. As a recent ex-Foreign and Commonwealth Secretary what Dr Owen

says is bound to attract attention and be given more credence than is

normal in the case of other visiting speakers. It is desirable there-

fore that an FCO Minister seek to explain to him that people in both

Hong Kong and Peking may assume that what he speculates about the

future in fact reflects British Government policy. This could lead

to the Chinese making public statements about their position which

in turn could circumscribe negotiations (as happened in the case of

Lord Carrington's visit last year) during the Prime Minister's visit.

We have been at pains to avoid giving any indication of our position

to the Chinese in advance of the Prime Minister's visit.

18.

CONFIDENTIAL