TNAG-2001-FCO40-2848-Visit-by-Maria-Tam--Chair-of-the-Transport-Advisory-Committe-1990 — Page 14

Mr Bourns

Mr. Paul,

Paul, HK)

in Lidington

Miss Tain

FROM:

A R Paul

Hong Kong Department

is ver sensible

and

I

agree

discreet help

DATE:

1 June 1990

Ceg do's and don'ts

oganisation), mynt niefoltz

we should however check

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Mr Lidington

mon it for such a

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Cc:

Mr McLaren

Mr Burns

VISIT OF MARIA TAM TO THE UK: AUGUST 1990

1.

enter

W 4%

I have heard that Maria Tam, a leading member of the Executive Council in Hong Kong, will be visiting the UK in August. She is currently engaged in forming a moderate political party (likely to be called the "Liberal Democratic Party") and is in need of advice about the organisation of a political party, particularly at the constituency level.

2. It seems to me very desirable that Maria Tam should be encouraged in this direction. All the indications at present are that the liberal/democrats (ie Martin Lee et al) are making the running, whilst the moderates have scarcely begun to get their act together. This would not make for a happy scenario in the 1991 LegCo elections.

3. On the other hand, it would not be a good thing if HMG appeared in any way to be directly involved in assisting Maria Tam. That would play very badly in Hong Kong. It does occur to me, however, that someone in the Conservative Party Central Office might well be able to arrange some useful briefing for her. It may even be that there are more concrete ways in which discreet help can be given. (I understand that an official of the Canadian Liberal Party has visited Hong Kong several times at his own expense to advise Maria Tam and her fellow organisers.)

SB1AAQ

CONFIDENTIAL