TNAG-1310-FCO40-1667-Future-of-Hong-Kong-1984 — Page 87

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LINE TO TAKE

THE MANIFESTO

1.

The manifesto is entirely an UMELCO document.

Neither

the Hong Kong Government nor the British Government were

consulted about the issuing of the statement or its content.

We were given a copy shortly before publication as a

courtesy..

POINTS CONTAINED IN THE MANIFESTO

2.

These points reflect the concerns of the UMELCO members.

It is natural that they should wish to reflect their views

to Members of Parliament before the debate on 16 May. A

number of the points which they have raised are the subject

of negotiation with the Chinese Government and it would not

be appropriate for us to comment. The Secretary of State

dealt with a number of points in his statement in Hong Kong on 20 April. He made clear that we were aiming for a

binding agreement which would deal clearly with the future arrangements for Hong Kong after 1997. He said that it was

not realistic to contemplate continued British administration after that date and that we were seeking a high degree of

autonomy for Hong Kong under Chinese soveriegnty. In answer

to questions he said that we had not formed a final view on

how Hong Kong opinion would be assessed but that there would

be an opportunity for people to express their views on a draft agreement. He emphasised that consultation with the

people of Hong Kong was a continuous process of which his statement was an important part.

IS THERE A RIFT BETWEEN HMG AND UNOFFICIAL ADVISERS IN HONG KONG

3. One of UMELCO's jobs is to reflect their views and those

of Hong Kong people. HMG value their relationship with

Unofficials of EXCO and LEGCO. There have been many meetings

between Ministers and Unofficials. The Secretary of State and Mr Luce will see the delegation during their visit to London.

Hong Kong Department

9 May 1984

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