positive impressions about the Chinese attitude to Hong Kong. Indeed Mr Howell's upbeat interpretation of Chinese attitudes at the Committee's final press conference in Peking may have gone slightly further than was strictly justified by what the Chinese said.
Referendum
4.
There were two specific points which it would be helpful if the PUS could take up with Mr Howell. The first relates to a report in
the Daily Telegraph that the Chinese would have no objection to a
referendum being held in Hong Kong within the next few months to
determine the wishes of Hong Kong residents on the pace of progress
towards the development of representative government.
This report
is misleading and appears to have arisen from a misunderstanding at the press conference. It would be helpful if the PUS could
encourage Mr Howell could set the record straight (see para 2 of
Peking telno 702).
Nationality
5. The second point relates to Chinese views on British nationality
policy regarding right of abode for Hong Kong Chinese. One of Mr
Howell's answers at the press conference suggested that the Chinese
would have no objection to a change in British nationality policy.
It would appear from the record of the Committee's meeting with the
Chinese Vice Foreign Minister, however, that Zhou Nan declined to
comment on this point. It would be worth pointing out to Mr Howell
that the Committee should not build too much on Zhou Nan's statement
that such a change would be our internal affair'.
Future Consulate-General
OED are
6. The Committee appear to have taken a particular interest in the
future Consulate-General during their visit to Hong Kong, although
the subject did not come up in public. This is a question which may be raised with the PUS when he gives evidence on 3 May.
preparing more detailed briefing for that occasion but a short line
to take has also been included for use, if necessary, with Mr
Howell.
No comments yet.
Private notes are available after approval.