TNAG-1883-FCO40-2674-Visits-by-Lord-Glenarthur--Minister-of-State-for-Foreign-and-1989 — Page 147

RESTRICTED

Mr McLaren met a delegation of professionals (all of whom were

members of the Observers, and who included Mr Poon) last July before

the Commons debate on the Basic Law. The focus of the Observers'

current concerns is likely to be the continuing debate on the future political structure, and in particular the timing of moves towards universal suffrage.

4.

I share the Governor's misgivings about acceding to the

request and creating a precedent. The Governor notes that the

Observers are not the most representative group in Hong Kong: to

meet their request could open the flood gates to bids for meetings

from other interested groups on this and future occasions. The

programme for Lord Glenarthur's visit to Hong Kong is in any event already very full. The Observers are probably not expecting a positive response. To sweeten the pill a little, I suggest that they be invited to let Lord Glenarthur have their views in writing.

стви

CO Hum

A refusal to

see

The

observers

conlo

have

repercussion's

( complaints, suide press comments)

bull

agree

162L

it would

be ngńz waccept the

Governor's

advice

and

W sweeten

The più

un the

the why

Auggested by Fer Hem.

RESTRICTED

вивали

3/1/89