TNAG-1892-FCO40-2685-Visits-by-Sir-Geoffrey-Howe-and-by-Douglas-Hurd--Secretaries-1989 — Page 90

G.F. 326

CONFIDENTIAL # 3

SF.1 in CAC/C/5/22 Pt.10

Special Report:

Feedback on the Secretary of State's

Overall Assessment

Visit to Hong Kong

Reactions to Sir Geoffrey Howe's visit were

strong and almost entirely negative. Company directors

and building caretakers alike accused the UK Government

of shirking its moral and constitutional responsibility

in the right of abode issue.

The

"grassroots"

respondents

were

particularly harsh in their criticisms. They accused

the British Government as being hypocritical,

selfish

and heartless. Some felt that the British Government

was

only interested in using Hong Kong to bargain

for Britain's long-term interest in China. Others

were angry at the British Government for "turning

its back on Hong Kong after taking advantage of the

colony for so long." They argued that the right of

abode was important not because they wanted to live

in Britain but because it would help solve the

confidence crisis.

To many respondents, the purpose of Sir

Geoffrey's visit was a mystery. They felt that the

CONFIDENTIAL #

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