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the British Government's responsibility for the adminis- tration of Hong Kong up to 30 June 1997."
We discussed at some length the reason for our proposed changes. I made the point that any reference in the TOR to the Basic Law would almost inevitably antagonise the Chinese and arouse their suspicions. The Chairman had told me that the Committee might envisage an early contact with the Chinese Ambassador here. A text on the lines which Mr Wilson had suggested to me
(in particular the last phrase) would inevitably be regarded by the Chinese Ambassador as both unhelpful and provocative. Furthermore, by singling out the provisions of the Basic Law in the terms of reference as he had suggested might imply that there would be a lot to be said by those giving evidence on this topic. As I had explaind to the Chairman, this was not the case. It was unlikely that Ministers or officials would be able to say in open session much more than had been said already by Ministers in Parliament. Even in confidential session, I frankly doubted whether we would be in a position to add a great deal.
6.
Mr Wilson appeared to take the point and seemed to think that the second tiret of our alternative version might go far enough to meet the Committee's objectives. Mr Wilson thanked me for our help and promised to let me know the outcome to his deliberations with the Chairman. He has not in fact been in touch since last evening.
7. This episode demonstrates, all too well I fear, that the Committee are unlikely to be wholly aware of the pitfalls inherent in their enquiry. It will undoubtedly be a difficult and fraught process. I note that the Secretary of State has asked whether we thought that he should take an early opportunity to speak to the Committee privately. For my part, this seems to me an excellent idea. It is clearly not going to be easy to educate the Committee members into the intricacies and sensitivities of the subject.
D H Gillmore
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