TNAG-1238-FCO40-1551-Future-of-Hong-Kong-1983 — Page 55

# MON

British Embassy

CONFIDENTIAL

3100 Massachusetts Avenue NW Washington DC 20008

Telex Domestic USA 89-2370/89-2384 Telex International 64224(WUI)/440015(ITT) Telephone (202) X2X1XXX 745-4238

368

HKK040/1

RECEIVED IN REGNTATRO. 51

- 7 JUL 1983

DESK OFFICUL

Your referende

INDEX

W Morris Esq

Hong Kong and General Department

Our reference

FCO

Date 28 June 1983

PA

PEG.STRY

erion Taken

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Dear Warnica,

HONG KONG: CRS PAPER

See (372)

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1. The Library of Congress Congressional Research Service, who produce a wealth of generally well-informed background on US policy for the benefit primarily of Members of Congress and their staffs, are in the process of drafting one such paper on the future of Hong Kong. Bob Sutter, the drafter of the attached piece, has asked if I would like to suggest any improvements to the draft. He has to go to press in two weeks time.

2. As you will see, the overall tone of the paper is not bad. It would not in any case be appropriate for us to get into a major drafting exercise with Sutter, who has nevertheless under- taken to treat any comments that we may have unattributably and with discretion. Subject to your views, I would suggest that we point out that the first sentence of the last paragraph on page 5 suggests that Britain had not seriously considered Hong Kong's concerns about its future before Mrs Thatcher's visit, whereas, as is stated on page 4, we had already been involved trying to get Chinese minds to focus on the question. We might also suggest that they quote in full the Prime Minister's remarks at the press conference in Hong Kong about the Treaties, while not denying that there was a subsequent reaction from the Chinese.

3. Since this paper will be widely read by those with an interest in the subject in Congress, and disseminated upon request to any outsiders who may write for information, I thought you might like to have a sight of the paper and an opportunity to make your own observations on it. Of course, I shall thank Sutter for this opportunity, though he will not be aware that I have referred the paper to you.

4. I should be grateful for your comments, by teleletter if necessary, no later than 8 July.

моетел

Younes

Stephen

S J Gomersall

CC:

R JT McLaren Esq Political Adviser HONG KONG

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