TNAG-1597-FCO40-2182-Hong-Kong-1987-Review-of-Representative-Government-1987 — Page 167

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Action Taken

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Hong Kong Department

DATE: 14 January 1987

cc:

PS/Mr Renton

Mr Gillmore

Dr Wilson

Mr Fifoot,

Deputy Legal Adviser

Mr Masefield, FED

PUBLICATION OF THE GREEN PAPER

12

1.

Thank you for your minute of 14 January, which I have discussed

with Dr Wilson.

2.

feel it is important that the public line used by the new

Governor should not have the effect of arousing unjustified doubts

in the minds of the suspicious Hong Kong public.

If we have

-

concluded that it would not be politically feasible for us to

introduce any significant delay into the timetable for publication

of the Green Paper and I think that this is now clear it would

be undesirable to say anything which could leave the impression that

this might still be our minds. The formula "no present reason"

could perhaps have that effect.

in

3. On reflection therefore we suggest a

a slightly simplified version

of the wording proposed by the Secretary of State, on the following

lines:

"I know of no reason for any change in the present general

timetable for the publication of the Green Paper."

[If pressed]

"Detailed arrangements relating to the Green Paper will be one

of the matters which I shall wish to discuss with HMG and Hong

Kong Government officials in due course.

"

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