TNAG-1331-FCO40-1758-Future-of-Hong-Kong-test-of-the-acceptability-of-the-Joint-D-1984 — Page 74

監察團辦事處

香港金鐘道三十八號 最高法院

4.

CONFIDENTIAL

PERSONAL

OFFICE OF THE MONITORING TEAM

THE SUPREME COURT

38 QUEENSWAY HONG KONG

A further criticism could be added. The PR exercise promoting the consultation in Hong Kong not effective enough e.g.:

(a)

Not enough said to explain publicly why HK views wanted;

5.

6.

(b)

(c)

Text of first advert. led to too many replies expressing no clear view;

New advert. given insufficient prominence as a 'booster'.

A wider problem which could present difficulty later. Emphasis on 'Macpherson's postbag' could lead to unnecessary trouble. How many individual letters would be credible ? The expression of views/voices through the wide variety of 'geographical' and 'functional' organisations more significant - provided that they find expression in submissions to the AO.

Against this background the Foreign and Commonwealth Secretary could best highlight following points in the House of Commons next week:-

(a) HMG believe it is a good Agreement: we

warmly commend it to the people of Hong Kong.

(b) But we want the views of Hong Kong

on

the Agreement as a whole and, on the record, on points of concern.

(c)

Hence the great importance of the assessment task. Views of individuals important but even more important the outcome of the wide- spread process of consultation through the many organisations, touching the 'grass roots' and upper levels, of Hong Kong.

/.....

Appointed by the Secretary of State for Foreign & Commonwealth Affairs

英國外交及聯邦事務大臣委任