TNAG-2087-FCO40-2972-Honours-in-Hong-Kong-1990 — Page 8

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(HONOURS)

Dear Alan,

Hong Kong

Government Office

香港政府駐英辦事處

W/23/ 200 Jure 1990

HKB 395/1

RECEIVED ONES

10 JUL 1990

It was land of you to write - and

much appreciated. You flatter

་

me with

66 distinguished career" bit but I lle"

have mist certainly enjoyed Oli tart 30 years of decolonivation in ramigell

exoler parts

Alle wered.

But Honu Kanu in the hardest!

Нони Коли

Regauls,

th

6 Grafton Street London W1X 3LB

Telephone: 01-499 9821

Telex: 28404

16

Mr Paul

CONFIDENTIAL

нке 395 /1

ハ

ECEIVED

10. 1990

INDE

FROM: R J T McLaren

cc:

W37 270 2156

18 June 1990

PS/PUS

Mr Burns Mr Hervey

HONG KONG HONOURS

1.

I attach a copy of a rather nasty piece by Bernard Fong which appeared in the South China Morning Post on 10 June, sent to me by Mr Henry Keswick. In a manuscript note, Mr Keswick says:

2.

Is it not the time for British honours in Hong Kong to be handled by the British Trade Commission, not the Hong Kong Government - like in Caracas, Istambul and

Tokyo?!

Like that of Mr Fong, Mr Keswick's point is crudely put. But there is a real issue. At present British honours in Hong Kong are handled in the same way as they always have been, on the basis of recommendations put forward by the Governor, who later bestows the insignia at investiture ceremonies held in Hong Kong. As 1997 approaches, the number of such awards will presumably diminish: apart from anything else, people who will be staying on in the territory after 1997 may be less willing to receive them. There may be a case for ceasing awards for public or charitable services entirely in, say 1995 or 1996.

3. There is, of course, no reason why awards for services to British commercial or other interests in Hong Kong should not continue after 1997 though Hong Kong Chinese may not wish to be singled out in this way for fear that they would be accused of lack of patriotism. It would be for the Consul General to put forward recommendations in the same way as the Senior British Trade Commissioner does now. (The award of a knighthood to Sir W Stones of China Light and Power in the Birthday Honours is a good example of an award of an honour for British, as opposed to Hong Kong, interests.

4 It might be useful to have a preliminary word with Sir D Wilson when he is here later this month or at the end of July.

•

R J T McLaren

CONFIDENTIAL

15

Foreign and Commonwealth Office

London SW1A 2AH

The Hon Mrs Rosanna Tam Wong Yick-Ming OBE JP Legislative Council Building

8 Jackson Road

Central

Hong Kong

18 June 1990

HKB 395

2 1 JUN1990

Dear Rosanna,

Congratulations on your award in the Queen's Birthday Honours. It is most richly deserved, and a fitting recognition of the outstanding services which you have rendered to Hong Kong. I can think of few who have discharged their duties with the energy and devotion which you have.

My very best wishes to you.

Yours Ever,

Plan

AR Paul

CC7AAO

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