TNAG-1468-FCO40-1997-Visits-by-members-of-the-Office-of-the-Unofficial-Members-of-1986 — Page 115

CONFIDENTIAL

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views. Although Miss Tam was being briefed by the Hong Kong Government, he was surprised that she sometimes took a line at variance with what he believed to be HKG views: this perplexed him, and might well mislead the Chinese side

as well.

4.

You and I discussed this point briefly. We agreed that I should write to Mr Peirce in Hong Kong, suggesting that the Hong Kong Government might wish to consider giving Mr Lee slightly more comprehensive briefing if they thought that he was discreet enough to make diplomatic use of it.

5. Mr Lee's second theme was criticism of HMG and the HKG for not fighting hard enough for Hong Kong's interests. An

An assumpter agreement had been achieved which gave Hong Kong the real

here that there is a Commony accepted News of What i

best for tele

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in o

Sork structure. Brwor So.

hope of autonomy.

a way which

said rather

But now HMG and the HKG were only

concerned about bringing about convergence in

caused the fewest waves in Peking. Mr Lee

Lee said

sadly that the people of Hong Kong needed leadership: they had to be helped. They were not accustomed to speaking up

for themselves. HMG and the

the Hong Kong Government should

in Peking on speak up strongly in

The their behalf.

two

Governments should also encourage the emergence of a more outspoken political class. Almost all the Unofficials were no more than yes men: they were only concerned not to rock the boat. HMG and the HKG should bring forward politicians of a more independent frame of mind, and should actively encourage the rest to speak out on behalf of Hong Kong.

6. You and I agreed that I should summarise the main points from our two conversations with Mr Lee in a letter

to Mr Peirce.

HRK ON 615

RECEN

1 & AL 1985

uly 1986

29 puly

سلى

CO Hum

FOBIS

Hong Kong Department

CONFIDENTIAL