TNAG-1887-FCO40-2679-Overseas-visits-by-Sir-David-Wilson--Governor-of-Hong-Kong---1990 — Page 43

BACKGROUND

CONFIDENTIAL

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4. OD (K) on 4 October agreed that the return of the first batch of acquiescent non-volunteers should follow SC3 (16-17 October) but

precede TRH's visit to Hong Kong (7-11 November). A target date was

fixed for 31 October. But the Hong Kong Government were unable to

assemble a group of more than 14 acquiescents for the first flight.

(They were unable to increase the group at Phoenix House assembled

for repatriation without the risk of wider disturbances). Ministers

decided that it would not be worth proceeding with a flight of only

14. 31 October was therefore abandoned. A later date before the

visit of the Prince and Princess of Wales would have been

unacceptably close to TRH's visit.

5. The Prime Minister prefers to delay the first repatriation until

after her visit to Washington on 24 November. This will enable her

to inform President Bush of our intention to go ahead with

non-voluntary repatriation and explain the efforts we are making to ensure that those returnees will be properly treated.

Timing

6. We have given careful thought to the earliest and most opportune

dates after 24 November. The alternatives are:

(a) After the Prime Minister's visit to the United States but

before SC3 (resumed).

The Governor of Hong Kong recommends (HK telno 3703) a date early in

the week of 27 November. But there are attractions in a date

coinciding with the US/Soviet Summit (2/3 December) when media

attention will be diverted. Though a few days later than suggested by the Governor, this timing would not run counter to his arguments. There is nevertheless a risk that if things go wrong it will

adversely affect the outcome of SC3 (resumed).

(b) After SC3 (resumed) on 4/5 December

If we wait until after SC3 we could claim to have held our hand

CONFIDENTIAL