TNAG-1987-FCO40-2820-Presentation-of-UK-policy-on-Hong-Kong-to-the-media-1989 — Page 60

PS/Mr Maude

Private Secretary

FROM: D H Gillmore W37 270 2156

17 August 1989

CC:

Mr Paul, HKD

[SUNDAY TIMES BREAKFAST FORUM]

1.

I note that Mr Maude's preference is to attend if possible. But I am inclined to agree with Mr Paul that, if we are expected to give a firm answer now, a forum of this kind is likely to be something of a hostage to fortune. The chief difficulty at this juncture is that it is extremeley hard to predict the position we shall have reached by 7 November on the nationality issue. And the imminence of the Prince of Wales's visit is a further complication.

2.

But

Thus, I think it right to proceed as Mr Paul suggests. we cannot exclude the possibility that the Sunday Times will come back with a suggestion for alternative dates. If they do, we shall have to look at the matter again.

Планим

D H Gillmore

Alko 30111

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