TNAG-1311-FCO40-1673-Future-of-Hong-Kong-1984 — Page 149

reference for British team on Joint Liaison Group. New Hong Kong travel documents would be internationally recognised.

(Hong Kong press summary 4 October).

2. Joint Liaison Group would not operate to maximum effect unless

there were Hong Kong Chinese representatives on it. Thought China could be persuaded to accept maximum possible Hong Kong

representation. Draft agreement is best possible solution for

people of Hong Kong.

(Hong Kong press conference: Additional Roundup/GIST 11 October).

PETER THOMAS (Conservative)

1. Agreement will help dispel worries of Hong Kong people. Better than expected. Britain would not accept large number of immigrants. Confident of acceptability.

(Hong Kong telno 30512 26 September).

2.

An admirable agreement and unique diplomatic success. Will be

endorsed by Parliament.

(Letter to Mr Luce 27 September).

NEIL THORNE (Conservative)

1. Asks the number of British citizens resident in Hong Kong with

the right of abode in UK.

(Letter to Mr Luce of 2 October).

NEVILLE TROTTER (Conservative)

1. Hong Kong should establish own locally-recrutied defence force

trained by British Army to replace British garrison well before

1997. Might be way round problem of conscription into PLA.

Unofficial body like Assessment Office should be set up to collate

views of Hong Kong people on drafting of Basic Law. China entitled

to exclude local people from drafting process, but residents' views

would be taken into account.

(Hong Kong press conference: GIST and Additional Round up of Hong Kong press, 29 October)

2. Agreement described by all I spoke to in Hong Kong as best

possible.

(Letter to Mr Luce 6 November)

BOWEN WELLS (Conservative)