TNAG-1886-FCO40-2677-Overseas-visits-by-Sir-David-Wilson--Governor-of-Hong-Kong---1989 — Page 72

ALAAAI

CONFIDENTIAL

MEDIA AND POLICY PRESENTATION

Background

1.

But Hong Kong's

In the UK, critical media attention is currently focussed on

the Basic Law/democracy issue and on the nationality question (eg Lord Wyatt's recent article in The Times). These issues also

feature prominently in the Hong Kong press. perspectives and preoccupations differ from those of the British media. At least as important to Hong Kong people is their perception of Britain's lack of commitment to the territory and alleged insincerity on such issues as Vietnamese boat people.

2.

Our current media strategy is that:

(a) officials will give a series of individual briefings with Foreign Editors and other interested journalists, with the aim of (i) setting the record straight and (ii) interesting them in further action such as a Ministerial interview or article, or visit to Hong

Kong:

(b) we are producing new bull points for distribution to

Ministers and senior officials;

(c) Lord Glenarthur will meet the resident Hong Kong

journalists in London for another round of briefing;

(a) we will look out for an opportunity for the Secretary of State to give an interview on the BBC World Service, which would be broadcast in Hong Kong and geared to a Hong Kong audience. shall need to identify a suitable peg.

But we

3. We consulted the Governor about the Secretary of State's idea that Hong Kong figures might be persudaded to contribute upbeat articles (eg on the Basic Law) in the UK press. The Governor has suggested new governmental figures would be the most appropriate: for example Lord Kadoorie or a Hong Kong lawyer.

CONFIDENTIAL