TNAG-1989-FCO40-2822-Hong-Kong-Telecommunications-(Amendment)-Ordinance-1989-(No.-1989 — Page 327

CONFIDENTIAL

4.

An interview on the World Service, which would be broadcast on

the RTHK channel in Hong Kong, would provide an excellent

opportunity to underline our strong commitment to Hong Kong and our

determination to discharge fully our responsibilities towards the

territory. But it would be very desirable that we should pick our

moment carefully and try to identify a suitable peg for such an

interview that would appeal inparticular to a Hong Kong audience.

One obvious opportunity would be the point at which we are able to

confirm our decision in principle to resettle an additional 1,000

Vietnamese refugees from Hong Kong.

5. I suggest that it would be sensible to regard the World Service exercise in a somewhat different light, and in a different time

scale, from the three point plan put forward by Mr Burns. In the

UK, the current focus of attention is on the Basic Law and the pace

of development of democracy in Hong Kong. This is an important preoccupation in Hong Kong too. But Hong Kong perspectives and overall preoccupations differ from those of the British media. key message to get across to a Hong Kong audience is that of commitment and responsibility. A reassuring message on a subject

such as boat people would be particularly helpful.

The

6. The subject of media coverage and policy presentation will undoubtedly feature in the Secretary of State's talks with the Governor on 21 February. Sir D Wilson will doubt be able to give further advice on this specific aspect.

ARPanc

AR PAUL

CONFIDENTIAL