TNAG-1838-FCO40-2613-House-of-Commons-Select-Committee-on-Foreign-Affairs-enquiry-1989 — Page 61

SF Bailey (Miss)

Parliamentary Relations Unit

DATE:

30 January 1989

CC:

Miss R. Marsden, HKD.

I have

ку

1.1

FOREIGN AFFAIRS COMMITTEE:

INTO HONG KONG

1.

FORTHCOMING ENQUIRY

Peking telegram No. 104 of 27 January sets out the post's initial reaction to the forthcoming visit by the Committee. When we discussed this matter I pointed out that this was not of course a normal visit to China by a group of MPS the FAC would be going to China on Parliamentary

-

business relating specifically to their enquiry into Hong Kong, and their expenses would be paid for by the House of Commons. I was therefore a little concerned by the reference in the telegram to a Chinese organisation or institution acting as "host" to the Committee; in doing so I felt that the Chinese might misunderstand the situation and see this visit as merely that of yet another group of visiting MPs.

2.

You explained that, when dealing with the Chinese over this visit, it would certainly be necessary for the Committee to be formally "hosted" by an appropriate Government organisation; and it would be particularly necessary in order to enable the Embassy to secure the most suitable programme possible for the FAC. However, you did mention that you thought it most important that the Chinese should be well

Even "educated" in the work of the FAC prior to the visit. though the FAC had already approached the Chinese Ambassador in London, it was unlikely that the Ambassador fully understood the situation. The Chinese would not, for instance, understand or expect that a Committee consisting of a majority of Conservative MPs would not necesarily be "toeing the party line" and they could well be surprised and upset by what they might consider to be "impertinent" questions.

/3. I am grateful for your guidance and attach herewith a

"Guide to the Work of the Committee" which might be useful as a background paper should FED and/or HKD decide to pursue this matter.

4.

Paragraph 1 (c) of Peking tel No: 104 refers to problems of interpretation. It will certainly be important to ensure that the interpreter has the necessary ability to cope with

/ the

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