TNAG-1744-FCO40-2463-Visits-by-FCO-officials-to-Hong-Kong--including-visit-by-Lor-1988 — Page 107

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very receptive [expand].

I have read carefully the record of your meeting with the

Foreign Secretary on 30 June. I should like to pick up some of the

main themes of that discussion and brief you on progress:

6.

(i) On Vietnamese boat people you will have seen the Foreign

Secretary's message. Ministers took careful note of the concern which you expressed to him, and had no hesititation in giving their approval to the change of policy proposed by Councillors and the Hong Kong Government. We have been very active on the diplomatic front in explaining the new policy and stepping up international pressure on Vietnam. The Foreign Secretary has taken the matter up presumably with the Vietnamese, Soviet and Chinese Foreign

Ministers.

(ii) on immigration and nationality matters the Foreign Secretary has raised your concerns with the Home Secretary. I shall ensure that you are informed of the

outcome. The Home Office are actively considering in the light of your views whether procedures for handling Hong Kong British passport holders at UK ports of entry could

be improved. But you will understand that every government has to satisfy itself that visitors are entering their territory for the purpose claimed.

Government is equally vigilant in that respect.

The Hong Kong

(iii) On the Basic Law you will have seen the outcome

of the House of Lords debate. This was very useful in enabling concerns about the present draft to be put on the record. In replying to the debate I undertook to ensure that these were brought to the attention of the Chinese Government: and this has

been done.

I look forward to hearing your views on all these points.

Thank you again for your welcome.

7.

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