TNAG-2170-FCO40-3107-Hong-Kong-annual-review-for-1989-and-1990-1990 — Page 26

Mr Paul

HKD 011/2

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19 OCT 1990

DESK OFFICER

INDEX

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KAM Saunders

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10 October 1990

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All Desk Officers

ANNUAL REPORT ON HONG KONG: 1990

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HKD 011 22

1.

You asked me to think about any changes we might make in the form or content of this year's Annual Report to Parliament. We need to reply to Hong Kong shortly to agree their suggested timetable of key target dates (see attached telegram). We also have to be prepared to suggest any changes we might want to make to the draft outline which

they will be sending us at the end of this month. You said

we would need to clear any suggestions for a changed format

with Lord Caithness.

2.

I have read quickly through the 1989 Annual Report and exchanged a few preliminary thoughts with one or two colleagues, including Mr Stone. It would be helpful if we could have a brief discussion about it at one of your

morning meetings to decide what kind of report we want. Essentially the choice is between:

(i) repeating the present model, which is dull and

probably unread but (for that very reason) safe and

uncontroversial; and

(ii) a shorter, more punchy version, which focusses on the main developments, problems and achievements of the past year. This might have a higher political profile and, therefore, attract some attention, but possibly some

flak.

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