TNAG-1236-FCO40-1549-Future-of-Hong-Kong-1983 — Page 33

SECRET AND PERSONAL

RJT McLaren Esq CMG

Political Adviser HONG KONG

Dear Robin.

Foreign and Commonwealth Office

London SW1A 2AH

183

7 March 1983

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FIKK 040/1 нка

14 MAR 1983

FUTURE OF HONG KONG: CHRISTIAN ADAMS

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1. As you know Christian Adams has been here for a week during which we have seen something of him in the FCO. has made the point to us that he finds himself on occasion at a great disadvantage through having very little background on the question of the future. This causes difficulties when he meets people on social occasions etc, not because he wants to put forward points but because he needs to know what pitfalls to avoid.

2.

We have explained to him the overriding inhibition on enlarging the circle of knowledge about the negotiations or the formulation of our policy. Nevertheless, Alan Donald has taken the opportunity to give Christian a briefing on the general background, including the difficulties of coming to grips with the question of sovereignty and the risks of slow progress in the talks.

3. We have suggested to Christian that it might be helpful if from time to time he touch base with you to keep generally up to date and to ensure that he was warned of areas which might present particular risks in discussion. It would be very helpful if you could do this as necessary.

Jun

Dich

R D Clift

Hong Kong and General Department

SECRET AND PERSONAL