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debate in Parliament. It might be defined as a process of gradual
revelation and continuous consultation.
A
There are a number of cogent reasons why the main lifting of the
veil should take place in Hong Kong itself:
4.
(i) It would be necessary to anticipate any adverse Chinee reaction
(on the grounds that confidentiality was being breached or that we were playing the 'public opinion card') by explaining in
advance our intention to issue a statement and our reasons for
doing so. This could best be done by the Secretary of State in person during his visit to Peking. Indeed that would be one of his main objectives.
(ii) By the same token, the EXCO Unofficials have made it clear
that they will expect to be consulted in advance on the lines
of the Secretary of State's statement. Again this can best be
done by the Secretary of State in person after his arrival from
Peking. (iii) There are in addition more general presentational reasons why
a statement of substance on Hong Kong's future can best be made in Hong Kong itself. In this way it can best be angled towards acceptance by Hong Kong opinion. The people of Hong Kong will be most conscious of being consulted and least disposed to feel that decisions are being taken over their heads. (The corollary is that Parliament, unless carefully handled, could feel neglected: we have minuted separately on this aspect). In my view these considerations add up to an overwhelming argument for delaying any full lifting of the veil until the Secretary of State's visit to Hong Kong. There is however a
clear argument for preparing Parliament as much as possible in advance, particularly if a statement in April is made in the recess. Two possible occasions for an early partial unveiling have been identified in Mr Ricketts' minute of 7 March, namely: (i) The meeting of the Select Committee on Foreign Affairs on 14
March, when the Secretary of State is due to give evidence. The Committee have indicated that they will expect a statement on the current state of progress in the talks on Hong Kong's future.
5.
(ii) The Foreign Affairs Debate provisionally scheduled for 22
March.
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