TNAG-2080-FCO40-2960-Hong-Kong-politically-sensitive-issues-1991 — Page 5

CONFIDENTIAL

Reference

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Mr Paul

HONG KONG: POLITICALLY SENSITIVE ISSUES

1.

This is rather a mixed bag. I have the following comments on Part II, dealing with issues sensitive to the UK and/or China:

(a) Secretary for Recreation and Culture (Page 13).

No mention is made of Cable TV versus Satellite TV or the removal of HK Telecoms Franchise. We do have an interest, but this would need to be carefully put to Hong Kong. Indeed you may feel that it is better not to push this interest at this stage.

(b) Secretary for Security

•

(i) Admission of PRC nationals (Page 19). Should we point out that we would have had an interest had we known about the impending decision?

(ii) Defence lands does not seem to be on the list:

is there a separate JLG list?

(iii) Royal naval presence afloat. There is nothing about our "discussions" over the financing of the patrol craft. There should be.

(c)

SES

(i) PADS (page 21). We also have an interest in PADS, as HKG must now be aware and this should be reflected in the Notes. But again careful handling of any comments is necessary.

(ii) I can find no mention of the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Offices. These should clearly be mentioned, with primarily a Chinese interest.

(d) HMOCS matters. There is no entry on HMOCS matters, which are of concern to HKG, HMG and CPG.

CODE 18-77

M V Stone

5 November 1990

ROFAOY

CONFIDENTIAL