TNAG-1241-FCO40-1554-Future-of-Hong-Kong-1983 — Page 66

CONFIDENTIAL

Sir E Youde

HKK040/1

RECEIVED IN REGISTRY

6 SEP 1983

DESK OFFICER

INDEX

cc: Sir P Cradock..

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Mr Clarke, News Department

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FUTURE OF HONG KONG: CHANNEL FOUR TELEVISION PROGRAMME discoveted.

1. Mrs Emily MacFarquhar is to produce a programme on the future of Hong Kong for the Channel 4 programme ''A Week in Politics''. The programme is to be screened on 30 September and the production team will be in Hong Kong from 19 - 24 September.

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2. I have given Mrs MacFarquhar some background briefing, without going into the content of the talks. I have emphasised the problems which people in Hong Kong see over the Chinese ''plan'' and the need for effective guarantees against Chinese intereference.

3.

Mrs MacFarquhar is very keen to include a short interview with yourself, or failing that, with Sir P Haddon-Cave. I said that I did not know whether this would be possible but that I would consult you about it. Mrs MacFarquhar emphasised that she understood that you would not be able to say anything of substance about the talks but she thought it would be extremely odd if a serious programme of this sort did not include an appearance by a senior representative of Hong Kong.

4. Mrs MacFarquhar also said that she would find it useful to have a word with Sir P Cradock if that were possible.

I made no commitment but said that I would pass it on.

5.

Again

As you know, Mrs MacFarquhar is a serious journalist and a good observer of the China scene. Obviously the timing of the programme is difficult from our point of view but I think she will try to present Hong Kong's position fairly. If you did find it possible to meet her request, I think it would help to give a good impression in the UK, even if your statement amount mainly to a declaration of confidence in the British Government's determination to do their best for Hong Kong. You may wish to discuss.

1 September 1983

Dis

R D Clift

Hong Kong Department

I discussed with Sir E Youde. He said that he could not give an interview since there is a firm rule that no interviews are given by the Governor or senior officials. I have told Mrs MacFarquhar. She has asked whether she could speak to Sir P Cradock and Mr McLaren. I will deal with this on Monday.

CONFIDENTIAL

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