TNAG-1896-FCO40-2690-Calls-on-Francis-Maude--Minister-of-State-for-Foreign-and-Co-1989 — Page 92

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Background

A 1. Lord Eden (CV attached) is visiting Hong Kong from 15-21 October B as a guest of OMELCO (copy of programme attached).

C

2. Lord Eden has taken a particular interest in the question of mobilising international support for Hong Kong. He tabled a question on this subject in the House of Lords on 29 June. He also

referred to our efforts to mobilise an international rescue

D operation in the House of Lords debate on 5 July.

3.

Lord Eden has also expressed concern that Hong Kong people might not be adequately reassured by international offers of help and support if they are doubtful whether they will have the right to leave Hong Kong at all in the event of a catastrophe. He believes that they will only have the right of exit if we give them all the right to come to the UK (while making clear that most would be dispersed among other countries who had agreed to take part in an international rescue plan).

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