TNAG-1847-FCO40-2622-House-of-Commons-Select-Committee-on-Foreign-Affairs-enquiry-1989 — Page 17

CONFIDENTIAL

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05 MAY 1989

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Sectors & State

A R Paul

Llys

Hong Kong Department

28 April 1989

PS/PUS

Mr Gillmore

Mr Holt, PRU

Mr Millington, FED

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Mr McLaren

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w the any telegram)

25/10

PS/Lord Glenarthur I agree that clarification in most desicake ever.

Private Secretary

FOREIGN AFFAIRS COMMITTEE: VISIT TO PEKING

Problem

Press reports of the Foreign Affairs Committee to Peking have

stated inter alia that the Chinese told the Committee that:

1.

(a) there would be no objection to a referendum being held in Hong Kong within the next few months to determine the wishes of Hong

Kong people on the pace of progress towards democracy:

(b) the question of changes to the nationality status of Hong

Kong British passport holders was a matter for HMG.

Should we seek confirmation/clarification of the Chinese position?

Recommendation

2.

I recommend that we instruct Sir A Donald to take up point (b)

if possible with Vice Minister Zhou Nan; and that no further action

on point (a) is necessary.

I submit a draft telegram.

CONFIDENTIAL