TNAG-1317-FCO40-1720-Future-of-Hong-Kong-meetings-of-the-Cabinet-Defence-and-Over-1984 — Page 129

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in Peking has advised that while it might not cause difficulties if

the Hong Kong Government sought views on the future in a more systematic and intensive manner, an invitation to Hong Kong's

Councils and Boards to hold formal debates on the future could

produce a strong reaction from the Chinese.

7. The publication of the manifesto produced by the Unofficial

Members of the Executive and Legislative Councils (UMELCO) and the

hostile Chinese reaction illustrates the need for caution in

stimulating debate. The manifesto did imply criticism of the 20

April statement and did express unrealistic expectation on the part of the Hong Kong people. The Chinese did take strong exception, in

part because the EXCO Unofficials are privy to the negotiations and the Chinese suspected collusion with HMG.

8. Our experience with the UMELCO manifesto suggests that we need

to move very cautiously in encouraging organised debate through

representative bodies in Hong Kong. Debate is well underway, in part as a result of the manifesto's appearance. It is not particularly favourable to HMG, although some of the points raised

can be used in negotiation to impress on the chinese eg the need for a detailed announcement. Chinese hostility has already been

aroused. This points up the urgent need to put firmly on record a description of our own case and of the constrains within which we

work, so as to encourage greater realism and a more constructive.

approach in Hong Kong. A further Ministerial statement initiating a

second phase of debate is all the more desirable. At the same time

are forced to bear in mind the likely strong Chinese objection to our saying anything which is too revealing of the content of the talks or to our soliciting too actively an expression of Hong Kong opinion.

ASSESSING THE ACCEPTABILITY OF AN AGREEMENT AFTER SEPTEMBER

9. The main options for assessing the acceptability of an agreement to Hong Kong, in descending order of formality are:

(a) a referendum with universal franchise, possibly with some

outside independent supervision;

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