TNAG-1168-FCO40-1448-Future-of-Hong-Kong-1982 — Page 94

From.

+

Commissioner, London Office

(8)

13/154 SD

Ref.

To...

Secretary for Home Affairs

(Attn

MKIL OUATED

04

Mr R C Masefield)

Tel. No.

Date

4.F. 73A

01-499 9821 ext 6.0.

8 March 1982

Your Ref..

104A

dated...

Debate and Discussion PG 30/3: the Kermin.

on the Future of Hong Kong

& withayo ki there an

X

truthin.

Here as at home in Hong Kong, the future of Hong Kong and the problem of 1997 are topics of considerable concern and comment amongst Hong Kong Chinese. It is no surprise that those most involved, and thus inquisitive, should be Hong Kong students in and about to complete tertiary education here they see themselves destined and drawn, inevitably and inexorably, homeward to Hong Kong.

2. Earlier, we informed you of a "study" at Bradford University in December 1981 on this and related subjects.

3.

At the end of last month, there were two similar seminars :

x' and 'y'?

whai

43

2571

V. litter.

Friday 26.2.82--"What is the Future of Hong Kong?"

organised by The Tower Hamlets Chinese Co-Op held at Queen Mary College

J15.3 ↑

Bu noted for

Mr Morn's

Saturday 27.2.82--"The Future of Hong Kong and You"

organised by the UK Federation of Hong Kong Students, Newcastle University Chinese Students Society Branch held at Newcastle University.

Attached are reports on these events. A few points of special note are set out below for your information.

to see in

Seel 138

4. Appendix A re 26th--When we were notified by the organisers (at quite short notice) that Walter Easey was to speak, we considered sending along a HKGO representative to counter and rebutt directly, as appropriate. However, we have had experience with this before and so feared that the outcome would just be offering Easey easy opportunities for repeating his piece! To try reasoning or debating sensibly. with him would be well-nigh impossible.

5.

In the event, we decided :

(a)

(b)

to have an observer present to report on proceedings; and

to arrange for the same organisers and a similar audience to have a follow-up talk by a speaker of our nomination.

.../6. The

22/3