TNAG-1744-FCO40-2463-Visits-by-FCO-officials-to-Hong-Kong--including-visit-by-Lor-1988 — Page 142

PTZABR (2)

CONFIDENTIAL

VISIT OF THE LORD GLENARTHUR TO HONG KONG: 29 JUNE

BRIEF NO 10: EMIGRATION

-

JULY 1988

10

Objectives

To demonstrate that we are aware of the problem, responsive to the concerns of employers and sensitive to the underlying causes.

1.

To seek further information on the nature and extent of the

present problem.

2.

3.

To emphasise that the key to the containment of emigration is

to ensure Hong Kong remains a place in which people wish to continue living and working.

Points to make

-

[With the Governor and ExCo]

clearly right that we should face up squarely to the problem and demonstrate that we are not complacent or insensitive. decision to establish task force.

Welcome

at same time, must try to discourage tendency to talk up the problem, so that emigration becomes self-fulfilling prophecy.

[With OMELCO and others]

Aware of problem, and of change in type of people leaving. easy solutions.

No

Agree with Governor: no question of trying to stop people leaving. Our efforts must concentrate on maintaining Hong Kong as a place people wish to stay in or come back to.

! Task force

CONFIDENTIAL