TNAG-2048-FCO40-2918-Visits-by-members-of-the-Office-of-the-Members-of-the-Execut-1990 — Page 35

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CONFIDENTIAL

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4.

Mr Lee QC, curriculum vitae attached, is the most prominent independent political figure in Hong Kong. He is

Chairman of the United Democrats of Hong Kong, Hong Kong's

first political party which was formed in April this year. His party is expected to make a strong showing in the 1991 elections. Opinion polls show that Mr Lee would win if a free election were held now for the post of Chief Executive

in 1997.

5.

Mr Lee is highly articulate and has been a vocal critic of the Hong Kong Government and HMG on many occasions,

although he is also a man of considerable personal charm.

He was the Defence Counsel for the Reverend Fung Chi-Wood,

one of the liberal activists recently prosecuted for the

unauthorised use of loudspeakers and the unauthorised collection of money in public during a pro-democracy

demonstration earlier in the year. (Financial Times article

of 13 August).

6.

Although the timing is far from ideal, I think it would be useful for Lord Caithness to have the opportunity to meet Mr Lee and be exposed to his views before his own visit to Hong Kong. It would also be beneficial for the Minister's image in Hong Kong to have met Mr Lee.

7.

If Lord Caithness agrees, we would of course provide appropriate briefing. The Governor could also give the

Minister a useful steer at their lunch on 30 August.

BAYABO/2

Rosalind Mand

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R Marsden

CONFIDENTIAL