TNAG-1263-FCO40-1606-Parliamentary-contacts-on-the-future-of-Hong-Kong-1983 — Page 125

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received at the highest level there, I recommend that the Secretary of State should seek to obtain at first hand his impressions, mainly of the Chinese position but also of the views of UMELCO and the mood in Hong Kong generally. This would also provide an opportunity, with Parliament reassembling shortly, to underline the importance we attach to Members of Parliament doing or saying nothing that could have a damaging effect on confidence in Hong Kong, particularly when our negotiations are at such a sensitive stage.

6. I attach a line on which the Secretary of State might wish to draw. FED concur.

Birt

17 October 1983

so

✓

RD Clift

Hong Kong Department

I believe that it would be valuable for the

Secretary of State to see Mr. Heath.

I

agree with

Mr. Cleft's argumentation, particularly the point about

of

in

seeking to prevent Members

Parliament acting

ways

damaging effect

on

Hay Kay's

which could have a

Mr. Heath has twice received "messages

Confidence

us to evaluate Chinese

from Deng which have helped us to intentions.

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Astmald

19/10