TNAG-1308-FCO40-1665-Future-of-Hong-Kong-1984 — Page 93

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6. The meeting of the Foreign Affairs Committee would not be suitable. It will coincide exactly with the debate in LEGCO on the future, which has aroused great public anticipation in Hong Kong and strong criticism in the left-wing press. In replying to the debate, spokesmen for the Hong Kong Government will necessarily be taking a

bland and uninformative line. Even so, there is a risk that there

will be an adverse Chinese reaction in uncomfortable proximity to

the next round of talks (16-17 March). A simultaneous, more

informative statement in London would put the Hong Kong Government

in a difficult position: could be interpreted as disrespectful to

LEGCO and Hong Kong opinion; and could compound any hostile Chinese

reaction. Even if the FAC meeting were held in camera the chances

of a leak would be high. It may also be considered that a statement

of substance should be made to the whole House rather than to a

Select Committee.

7. The Foreign Affairs Debate might however allow a certain amount

to be said. For the reasons set out above it would not be advisable

to go the whole hog. But certain aspects of the Hong Kong statement might be foreshadowed. This would prepare British and Hong Kong opinion for the subsequent statement, dampening any exaggerated expectations in Hong Kong and cushioning the effect of any elements in that statement which might come as a blow to Hong Kong opinion. It would not be easy. EXCO would have to be consulted. But it

would have the advantage of avoiding a feeling by MPs that they were not forewarned in any way before the fuller statement issued four

weeks later.

8. The annex sets out in abbreviated form what the principle elements of the three statements might be. The objective would be to make a lifting of the veil a gradual and controlled process.

Min

8 March 1984

R D Clift

Hong Kong Department

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/ Mr Clifts