7 FEB 1989
4
HKB 011/3
FROM:
N P Dickerson
Miss Maste
Miss
W/2
Parliamentary Relations Unit
54
村
DATE:
7 February 1989
CC:
Private Secretary PS/PUS
Mr Dicheson, PRU Mr McClaren
Mr Millington, FED Mr Paul, HKD
Minister I strongly support this & 7/1⁄2
PS/Lora Glenarthur PS/Loya
ca
minute
(Lord Olenartlow)
HEADS OF MISSION'S INFORMAL MEETINGS WITH THE FOREIGN AFFAIRS COMMITTEE (FAC): SIR ALAN DONALD (PEKING).
PROBLEM
1. Should PRU propose to the FAC an informal off-the-record meeting with HM Ambassador Peking when he is home on mid-tour leave?
RECOMMENDATION
2. I recommend PRU so do. FED and HKD concur.
BACKGROUND AND ARGUMENT
3.
Under standing arrangements agreed by the Secretary of State, we inform the Clerk to the FAC of mid-tour leave plans of Heads of Mission with whom the FAC might find useful an informal and off-the-record meeting. We propose to invite the Committee to get in touch if, on this basis, they would like to see Sir Alan Donald who will be home on mid-tour leave from the middle of February until early April. The FAC are almost certain to take up this proposal.
4.
Such a meeting would provide a useful and timely opportunity for the Ambassador to get to know the Committee and to put across the numerous Chinese sensitivities which the Committee will need to bear in mind when conducting their enquiry into Hong Kong. We would warn the Clerk in advance that the Ambassador should not be expected to comment on Hong Kong affairs other than from a Chinese perspective. Neither would we expect the Committee to raise with him questions of Government policy which should more properly be addressed to Ministers.
5.
The FAC are almost bound to hear of the Ambassador's presence in London. It would be best if they learned from
The Governor of Hong Kong is expected to see the FAC on a similar informal basis (on 23 February). It would be invidious if we appeared less than helpful in arranging such contacts with HM Ambassador in Peking.
/6.
No comments yet.
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