TNAG-1239-FCO40-1552-Future-of-Hong-Kong-1983 — Page 111

DSR 11 (Revised)

DRAFT:

SECRET AND PERSONAL

minute/letter/teleletter/despatch/note

FROM:

CLIFT

R D CLIFT

DEPARTMENT:

SECURITY CLASSIFICATION.

TO:

Top Secret

Secret

Confidential

Restricted

TEL. NO:

TYPE: Draft/Final 1+

Reference

Your Reference

SIR E YOUDE GCMG MBE

GOVERNOR AND COMMANDER IN CHIEF HONG KONG

Copies to:.

Sir P Cradock GCMG HMA PEKING

Unclassified

PRIVACY MARKING

CAVEAT...

.In Confidence

Enclosures-flag(s)...........

SUBJECT:

FUTURE OF HONG KONG: VIEWS OF THE HONG KONG PEOPLE

1.

When you were in London you mentioned that you were

mulling over the possibility of commissioning an opinion

poll about the future, probably without attribution to

the Hong Kong Government.

2. The recent preparation of material for the talks in

Peking to counter Chinese statements that the Hong Kong

people support Peking's plans has prompted Planning Staff

to suggest that opinion polls might be looked at further.

One possibility now might be that if the poll were

organised fairly quickly it might be ready before the

September round of talks with the Chinese.

3. As you know Planning Staff have direct contact with

Gallup Poll through their Managing Director and it might

be that they could help if you thought this was worth

pursuing. I fully realise all the problems associated

have with opinion polls but I should be grateful to know your

comments.

SECRET AND PERSONAL