TNAG-2170-FCO40-3107-Hong-Kong-annual-review-for-1989-and-1990-1990 — Page 47

CONFIDENTIAL

1.

I went through the draft very carefully over the weekend and the fresh version now submitted incorporates my suggestions, substantive and stylistic.

2.

Much of the material for this report, including the whole of Sections IX to XIII, has been supplied by the Hong Kong Government. It does not make for exciting reading. But it is, in my view, somewhat better than previous years' efforts. The covering letter from the Secretary of State, if he agrees to include it, would give the enterprise a slightly higher profile.

3.

Ministers may wish to consider the timing in relation to the publication of the Hong Kong Bill next week, as well as Mr Maude's visit. But I doubt whether the report will attract great attention in any case, and my own inclination would be to publish just before or after Easter.

29 March 1990

Cc:

Mr Gillmore

Mr Burns, News Dept Mr Lidington

Mr Paul, HKD

M12AAS

CONFIDENTIAL

RJT McLaren