TNAG-1236-FCO40-1549-Future-of-Hong-Kong-1983 — Page 9

Mr Donald CPS/Lord Belstead

Private Secretary Secretary

CONFIDENTIAL

SAB...

Secretary of Stake

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:

3) MAR 1983 cc PS/PUS

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Mr Giffard Hd/FED

1971

HK ASD

FUTURE OF HONG KONG: BRIEFING FOR CONSERVATIVE PARTY BACKBENCHERS

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MBD

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1. I understand it has been agreed that the Secretary of

State should brief a small group of selected Conservative

backbenchers on Hong Kong's future.

2.

I attach:

(a)

Ele

the current list of members of the Hong Kong Parliamentary

Group;

(b) a list of 6 Conservative MPs from that list who have a

particular interest in or knowledge of Hong Kong

and who we think would be good candidates for such a

briefing. One key figure who has been omitted is

(c)

3.

Mr Edward Heath, who was closely involved last year. If it were thought appropriate for him to be briefed

this might best be done separately;

some key Points to Make in briefing the selected MPs.

In drawing up the Points to Make, we have recommended as frank an approach as possible, including a reference to a

possible recommendation to Parliament on sovereignty. I believe

that if backbenchers are to be effectively briefed we need to

take them at least this far into our confidence. However

we have omitted any direct mention of the Prime Minister's personal message to Premier Zhao. If the answer had been received by the time briefing took place, we might need to

reconsider this.

4.

We have not at this stage included suggestions for briefing of members of the Lords. I suggest that this should

CONFIDENTIAL

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