TNAG-1985-FCO40-2818-Presentation-of-UK-policy-on-Hong-Kong-to-the-media-1989 — Page 37

RESTRICTED

From:

RJT McLaren

Date:

14 June 1989

(117)

Mr Burns

News Department

HONG KONG

1.

нко 30111

ерьерий

Cc:

Private Secretary PS/Lord Glenarthur PS/Mr Eggar PS/PUS

Mr Gillmore Mr Paul, HKD

See (105

Sir P Cradock told me today that in the light of recent media attacks on the Government's Hong Kong policy, including the BBC Panorama programme with the Secretary of State on the evening of 12 June, he had concluded that the time had come to go on the counter-attack. He had spoken to Bernard Ingham accordingly. As a result, he was planning to

a number of media people in an attempt to change their perceptions. Mark Schreiber of the Economist would be calling on him this afternoon; "a lady from the Times" tomorrow. There might be others. Sir P Cradock would let me know if he needed any help in preparing for these encounters.

2. I gave Sir P Cradock an account of the line taken by the Secretary of State on democracy and nationality/immigration at his FAC evidence session this morning.

3.

You may want to consider whether there is any supportive action we can take. I remain ready to brief journalists on an off-the-record basis should you think that useful.

RESTRICTED

RJT McLaren