TNAG-1330-FCO40-1757-Future-of-Hong-Kong-test-of-the-acceptability-of-the-Joint-D-1984 — Page 330

CONFIDENTIAL

5. Sir Patrick of course has a point.

However the form of

consultation was chosen by Ministers after a careful consideration

of the possibilities and constraints.

I do not think it would have

been right to draw up the terms of reference of the Monitors in such a way that they would in effect be adjudicating on whether or not Ministers had got it right.

6. Sir Patrick is I think also suggesting that his report might

in which the agreement had been need to comment on the way publicised in Hong Kong. This is not specifically in the terms of reference, though they do state that the team should "be free to witness such aspects of the exercise of consultation........

may wish".

as it

7. I think in fact that it would be surprising if the Monitors did

least in the not make some reference to these aspects at introduction to their report, and if the reference was in positive terms, it would be helpful if they did. Secretary of State might say this. terms of reference should be broadened (and Sir P Nairne does not

suggest this).

8.

I suggest that the But I do not think that the

In general I think it will be useful if there is plenty of informal consultation and exchange of ideas between the Hong Kong Government, the Assessment Office, and the Monitors as the exercise proceeds. Such exchanges should not need to be confirmed by the terms of reference.

третый

5 September 1984

A C Galsworthy

Hong Kong Department

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