TNAG-2277-FCO40-3276-Hong-Kong-and-the-media-1991 — Page 10

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(v) I am sceptical about the willingness of foreign governments to express clear-cut condemnation of any Chinese decision to close down the station after 1997. Some would no doubt regret the implied reduction in BBC broadcasting, but others, and not just third world governments, would sympathise with Chinese sovereignty arguments. Even if there were to be strong condemnation it is unlikely this would move the Chinese on a matter of principle.

(vi) Assuming no significant change in the political climate here a decision to move elsewhere would at a minimum give us one less subject for potential friction. It might also help to convince the Chinese that we are not seeking to promote "peaceful evolution" from a Hong Kong base after 1997. But I doubt frankly whether we would get much credit. The Chinese would suppose, rightly, that we were bowing to the inevitable.

Cc:

Sir David Wilson GCMG Governor, Hong Kong

A C Galsworthy Esq CMG UKRep JLG, Hong Kong

MR Melhuish Esq CMG BANGKOK

P Ricketts HKD, FCO

Esq

You

Rosan

fran Mchwen

Robin McLaren

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