TNAG-2210-FCO40-3170-Future-of-Hong-Kong-political-parties-1991 — Page 46

From the Secretary of State

HKD+DQ

Foreign and Commonwealth Office

London SW1A 2AH

M43 dill

6 June 1991

mt

7/6

Dear Trea

When you called on me at the end of last month you were worried that we were not doing enough to help the new political parties in Hong Kong as they prepare for the first direct elections to LegCo in September this year. I said that I would see what more could usefully be done, in particular by way of offering advice on the organisational aspects of democratic processes.

We have of course been conscious of the problems which new political parties are likely to experience in getting organised and in shape to run a successful election campaign. Last summer we arranged for some of the founder members of the Liberal Democratic Federation, which, as you know, represents business and professional interests in Hong Kong, to make contact with Conservative Central Office. I understand a useful programme of constituency visits and meetings with central party workers was arranged for them. I recently had a meeting with Martin Lee, the leader of the United Democrats. There is always good access for OMELCO visitors to see Ministers, so that the concerns and priorities of Hong Kong representatives receive regular and prompt

attention.

Mrs Theresa Gorman MP

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