TNAG-1899-FCO40-2697-Future-of-Hong-Kong-briefing-1989 — Page 11

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Letter to issue

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Me Merida, HKD

PS/Lord Glenarthur

Pobot Cown

FROM: R Marsden

Hong Kong Department

DATE: 30 June 1989

cc: Mr McLaren KB 040147

(PS/hord Geerarther) 30/6

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REQUEST FROM HONG KONG BUSINESSMAN TO CALL ON LORD GLENARTHUR

Problem

1.

A letter from a Hong Kong businessman and journalist, Mr Walter

Sulke, requesting a call on Lord Glenarthur in late June/early

July.

Recommendation

2. I recommend that Lord Glenarthur decline to see Mr Sulke but

offer a call on Mr McLaren instead. I submit a draft letter

accordingly.

Background

3. Mr Sulke is a former member of the Urban Council in Hong Kong, and a well-known political commentator. He has been an outspoken critic of the Government for some years, and writes a regular column in the "Hong Kong Standard". In his speech of 4 May to the Hong

Kong South Rotary Club, enclosed with his letter, Mr Sulke describes

Britain's attitude to the nationality problem as callous and hypocritical.

4. Mr Sulke' does not have a strong claim to be received by Lord Glenarthur since he no longer holds any official position. To agree to his request would make it difficult to refuse other similar

requests. But as Mr Sulke is a reasonably prominent political figure in Hong Kong it would be courteous to offer a meeting at

official level. I understand that Mr McLaren would be prepared to

take this on.