TNAG-1331-FCO40-1758-Future-of-Hong-Kong-test-of-the-acceptability-of-the-Joint-D-1984 — Page 231

BACKGROUND

CONFIDENTIAL

1.

The reports submitted by the Monitoring Team consisting of the

Rt Hon Sir Patrick Nairne and Mr Justice Simon Li will be published,

together with that of the Assessment Office, in a White Paper on

29 November (attached).

2.

The report of the Monitoring Team states that they are

satisfied that the Assessment Office performed its duties impartially; faithfully followed the procedures prescribed for it;

and accurately analysed and assessed the submissions which it

received. The Monitors endorse the conclusion of the Assessment

Office that "most of the people of Hong Kong find the draft

agreement acceptable".

3.

There are two notes of criticism, both primarily directed at HMG. It is regretted (para 12) that the importance of consulting and assessing the views of Hong Kong on the draft agreement had not been more fully explained at the political level. The Monitors also express the view (paras 17-18) that public concern in Hong Kong about the confidentiality of submissions to the Assessment Office could have been avoided. On both these points (especially the latter) it is perhaps necessary to admit privately that in retrospect more might have been done.

4.

The report concludes with two more general reflections which, strictly speaking, perhaps go beyond the Team's terms of reference:

(i) "Nobody in Hong Kong can escape the uncertainties of

the future

• ..

The majority who accept [the

agreement] do so chiefly because they regard

reunification as inevitable and are relieved that

the terms of the draft agreement

are.

are as good as they

CONFIDENTIAL

BACKGROUND