CONFIDENTIAL
THIS IS A COPY
THE ORIGINAL HAS BEEN CLOSED UNDER
FOI EXEMPTION NO. 271) 402
SECRETARY OF STATE'S BREAKFAST MEETING WITH MR DAVID HOWELL:
FOREIGN AFFAIRS COMMITTEE
POINTS TO MAKE
(a) Chinese sensitivities
Still in midst of delicate discussions with China over Hong Kong's future. Must not be put at risk.
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Formally and publicly, drafting of Basic Law is a matter for the
Chinese Government.
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Important to get right results rather than being seen
squaring up to the Chinese. Confidence in Hong Kong would suffer if we take a confrontational approach with Chinese.
Chinese suspicious about the parliamentary process. Chinese would react badly if they discovered we had briefed Committee about
contents of confidential discussions.
Chinese Government may see FAC's decision to pursue this enquiry as deliberate attempt by HMG to embarrass them during drafting of Basic Law. Chinese do not clearly appreciate any difference between Parliament and Government. Must ensure that they do not assume your visit to Peking is HMG sponsored. Important that role of our Embassy should therefore be understood as being simply one of
liaison.
(b)
Governor's involvement
Understand Governor has offered to come back to London to give
formal evidence on 22 March. Imagine Committee would find it useful for him to do this before they visit Hong Kong. Could give formal evidence again towards end of enquiry, if Committee so wished.
Hope Committee will not ask Governor to give public evidence in Hong Kong. Inappropriate for Governor to be questioned in public in his own territory. Could adversely affect local perceptions of
MADAAM
CONF IDENTIAL
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Private notes are available after approval.