TNAG-1317-FCO40-1720-Future-of-Hong-Kong-meetings-of-the-Cabinet-Defence-and-Over-1984 — Page 123

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SECRETARY OF STATE'S BRIEF FOR OD(K), 22 MAY 1984

UMELCO Visit and Commons and Lords Debates

1.

Commons debate generally constructive and bi-partisan.

Realistic grasp of difficulties of our negotiating position.

Strong calls for acceleration of progress to representative

government. Very little disposition to argue for resettlement

of Hong Kong people in UK. Some preoccupation with mechanics

of assessing acceptability in Hong Kong.

2.

UMELCO delegation subsequently gave restrained reaction.

But privately disappointed: felt Members lacked understanding

and had been dismissive of the UMELCO's qualification to

reflect Hong Kong views. Hong Kong press reaction muted and

sometimes critical.

3. Lords debate also useful.

Realism combined with some

pressure for recognition of Hong Kong concerns over nationality.

Progress of Talks

Redacted under FOI exemption section 27(1)

Agenda Item Two

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