TNAG-1309-FCO40-1666-Future-of-Hong-Kong-1984 — Page 43

Foreign and Commonwealth Office

London SW1A 2AH

206

HKK040/1.

ACCLIVAL

12.PR 1984

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11 April 1984

Dear Richard,

Future of Hong Kong:

Letter to the Lord Chancellor from the Senior Unofficial Members of Hong Kong's Executive

and Legislative Councils

683

Thank you for your letter of 2 April requesting advice upon and a draft reply to the letter of 26 March and enclosure which the Lord Chancellor has received from the Senior Unofficials. Identical letters have been received by a wide range of members of both Houses of Parliament.

The letter calls simply for a brief acknowledgement. The background is that a debate took place in Hong Kong's Legislative Council (LEGCO) on 14 March on the motion, tabled by Mr R H Lobo, that "This Council deems it essential that any proposals for the future of Hong Kong should be debated in this Council before any final agreement is reached".

The debate was a procedural one. By means of it, the Unofficial Members of LEGCO were merely seeking an opportunity to discuss any proposals formulated for Hong Kong's future before any final decisions are taken. This is a reasonable wish. Although it is too early to say precisely how Hong Kong opinion will be consulted on any arrangements proposed for the future, many bodies, including LEGCO, can be expected to make their views known.

You ever,

(P F Ricketts) Private Secretary

Pet's Ruketts

Richard Stoate Esq PS/Lord Chancellor