TNAG-1317-FCO40-1720-Future-of-Hong-Kong-meetings-of-the-Cabinet-Defence-and-Over-1984 — Page 135

SECRET

THE UMELCO VISIT A TENTATIVE ASSESSMENT

1. The UMELCO visit to London may well have a significant

effect on our relations with the Unofficial members. The

nature of this effect is likely to be determined by the

very different reactions to their visit in Hong Kong and

in London as well as by the outcome of the parliamentary

debate.

A

B

2. As reports from Hong Kong show (Hong Kong telno 1353

provides a particularly useful summary), the statement

issued by UMELCO in conjunction with their visit received

a degree of support in Hong Kong far wider than that normally enjoyed by the Unofficials. Many individuals and groups who are usually critical of them welcomed their decision to express to MPs the concerns of people in

Hong Kong. The group received a very large number of letters and telegrams of support. The only significant criticisms have come from the left-wing press and their

adherents.

3.

The

UMELCO's reception in London was quite different.

Hong Kong Government Office did not accompany them on their

calls on MPs, so do not have any first-hand knowledge of

how they went. But their overall impression from

subsequent contacts with MPs and the Unofficials is that the Unofficials did not obtain the support for their position that they had expected, even from MPs who have

over the years been friends of Hong Kong, and that they did not hide their disappointment at this.

4. The Unofficials must have been disappointed, too, at the Commons Debate on 16 May. They themselves were attacked predictably by Messrs Heath and Adley, and

supported, also predictably, by a number of other MPs, including Sir H Atkins, Sir P Bryan and Sir P Blaker.

SECRET

/But

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