TNAG-1167-FCO40-1447-Future-of-Hong-Kong-1982 — Page 49

CODE 18-77

Exters bach to

me

Reference

Hien okoli

1 - MAR

Mr Morris Morris HKGD V

29/2

cc: Mr Cox, FED

CONFIDENTIAL

Pas 2/3

محركه

EMBASSY REQUEST FOR INFORMATION ON THE FUTURE OF HONG KONG

1.

Mr Cox in FED sent me a copy of his minute to you of 24 February.

83A

2. Whilst I fully understand the points made by Mr Cox in his para 2, the line recommended in his para 3 seems to me to go too far, and could have adverse consequences for our embassy in Moscow (who at present can usually get access to Soviet MFA departments, even if it takes time and they are not told much when they are received). If Mr Safronov does ask to call, we should prefer you to stick to the line suggested in my minute of 22 February.

26 February 1982

R.H. Smith

Se

RH Smith

Eastern European and Soviet Department

CONFIDENTIAL

86