TNAG-1331-FCO40-1758-Future-of-Hong-Kong-test-of-the-acceptability-of-the-Joint-D-1984 — Page 232

CONFIDENTIAL

(ii) [The people of Hong Kong] "know that their future

now lies in their own hands: and the widespread

concern to be involved

in the drafting of the

Basic Law is a timely and important token of their wish to stand increasingly on their own political

feet".

Both observations are no doubt accurate: the second has important implications for the evolution of Hong Kong's political life in the years that lie immediately ahead.

3. Sir Patrick and Lady Nairne, together with Mr Justice Simon Li and his wife (who will be on holiday in the UK), have asked to attend the debate in the House of Commons on the draft agreement on the future of Hong Kong. Tickets for the Distinguished Strangers' Gallery will be reserved as soon as the date for the debate is

fixed.

Hong Kong Department

28 November 1984