TNAG-1241-FCO40-1554-Future-of-Hong-Kong-1983 — Page 36

Mr Elliott, FED

CONFIDENTIAL

The

FROM:

MKK040|| DATE:

RECEIVED IN REGISTRY

SEP 1983

Cc:

&

DESK OFFICER

INDEX

REGISTRY

PA

Joni's

Ms Pnist (530)

P1. Spcal

H B WARREN-GASH

6 September 1983

Private Secretary PS/Lady Young

Mr Donald

Action Taken Mr CKft, HKDE Chicla

Yours to Speak

VISIT BY LORD RHODES TO CHINA MR ALASTAIR GOODLAD MP

: PARTICIPATION OF

1. As agreed, Mr Luce spoke to Mr Goodlad on the latter's return from holiday today about his plans to accompany Lord Rhodes on his forthcoming visit to China. Mr Luce explained that Lord Rhodes had his own idiosyncratic views on China, and on the future of Hong Kong in particular, and that at this delicate stage of the Hong Kong negotiations it would therefore be better if Lord Rhodes' party did not include any members of the Government. Mr Goodlad was disappointed

and made the point that, as a member of the party, he might have been able to exercise a useful restraining influence. But after some discussion he accepted that he should not go and will so inform Lord Rhodes. He also agreed to take the initiative in speaking to Mr Renton, who is in a somewhat similar position.

2. Mr Goodlad warned that Lord Rhodes was likely to be very upset, and to ask why he had withdrawn from the party at this late stage. He might be forced to disclose that he had done so on FCO Ministerial advice. It would not improve Lord Rhodes' opinion of the FCO. Mr Luce accepted that this was a risk that we would have to take. It is, however, a point that Mr Clift and others may care to bear in mind in arranging briefing for Lord Rhodes before his departure.

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CONFIDENTIAL

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