TNAG-1262-FCO40-1602-MPs--letters-on-the-future-of-Hong-Kong-1983 — Page 48

K

If they His fuent

then call

CONFIDENTIAL

FROM:

H B WARREN-GASH

DATE:

15 November 1983

'MKK040/13.

REOL

Mr Clift, HKD

cd: PS

1903

PS/PUS

Mr Donald

Mr Thomson, FED

50

FUTURE OF HONG KONG : SIR PHILIP GOODHART

(48)1.

Mr Luce was grateful for your submission of 14 November. He is deeply concerned about the possible impact of Sir Philip Goodhart's proposals on the confidence factor in Hong Kong, but has thought it right to tackle him directly about it rather than set out his views in a letter which (for all that it is marked 'Confidential') could later become public. knowledge.

2.

Mr Luce had a preliminary chat with him this morning, explaining the delicacy of the issue and emphasising that, despite the difficulties, our efforts must be directed towards success in the talks rather than planning for failure. The fact was that the people of Hong Kong would attach considerable weight to views put forward by a senior Backbencher with previous Ministerial experience, and might impute some weakening of resolve on the British Government's part from the proposals he had put forward. Sir Philip accepted that it was wrong for the Government to be voicing doubts publicly now but that, following the Levin article in the Times, there was a case for Backbenchers being seen to take up the humanitarian angle.

3.

The conversation continued in this vein for some time. The penny may have dropped but, in order to be absolutely sure, Mr Luce will take the opportunity of a meeting with him later this week to go over the ground again. In the interval, I am

retaining the papers.

H. Warren-Cash

HB Warren-Gash PS/Mr Luce

CONFIDENTIAL