TNAG-1262-FCO40-1602-MPs--letters-on-the-future-of-Hong-Kong-1983 — Page 51

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From Robert Adley MP

HOUSE OF COMMONS

LONDON SWIA OAA

Geotten

Re: Hong Kong

2nd November 1983

Under considerable pressure I made what amounted, for me, to a most diplomatic speech in the Adjournment Debate on Monday night!

I have decided to visit Hong Kong shortly in order to avoid being accused of being out of touch with local thinking there.

I am anxious to try and ascertain local opinion as I really do not believe that EXCO and LEGCO are truly representative of local opinion, as would be the case in a democratically elected assembly.

I think I should tell you, Geoffrey, that I have had information passed to me from Hong Kong, from a journalist I have known for years and whom I know to be reliable, which is I think of some concern. The journalist, who works for a well-known English language newspaper in Hong Kong, told me of the receipt of a telephone call from the Hong Kong Government Office actually suggesting that it would be helpful to them to find some way of blackening my character either prior to, or during, my visit to Hong Kong. Sadly, I am not really surprised at this as I know how much the Hong Kong Government establishment dislikes anyone whom they perceive to be remotely critical of them. However, it is something about which I feel you should know.

I have advised the Hong Kong Government Office of my intended arrival in Hong Kong on Saturday, 19th November, and as a matter of courtesy, therefore, I am advising you also of my proposed visit.

Finally, on a personal note, may I say ments over the weekend about Grenada.

how glad I was to hear your com- This cannot have been easy for

you, and indeed must have been painful for the Prime Minister, but I am sure you did the right thing in putting principle before expediency.

www

The Right Honourable Sir Geoffrey Howe, QC, MP,

Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs,

Foreign and Commonwealth Office,

King Charles Street,

London,

S.W.1.