TNAG-2321-FCO40-3365-Human-rights-in-Hong-Kong-1991 — Page 361

CONFIDENTIAL

8.

9.

Request permission for independent groups such as the

International Red Cross to visit Chinese jails. (The EC

demarche on 10 September made this request. The Chinese responded that their law did not allow foreign observers to

verify or supervise prison conditions). UND have commented

that we would not welcome foreign observers visiting UK

prisons.

Re-examine the case for a small-scale British aid project

in Tibet to facilitate access by Embassy personnel and provide a semi-permanent British presence.

TIBET

/

12. Tibet requires separate consideration since the issues involved go beyond simple human rights questions. Human rights concerns and abuses in Tibet stem mainly from campaigns for Tibet's independence and Chinese repression of such activities. We have deplored such repression in the context of our concern about the general human rights situation in China and urged the Chinese to enter into dialogue with the Dalai Lama and to develop a more genuine autonomy for Tibet. But the Tibet lobby have undertaken to

have undertaken to ensure that the question of Tibet is on the UN agenda by 1992 and have already succeeded in having a resolution on human rights but also referring to Tibet's "freedom" and "national identity" passed in the UN Sub-Commission on Human Rights. We would want to support any resolution in the UN Commission on Human Rights which expressed concern about abuses in Tibet, while ensuring that this could not be interpreted by the Tibet lobby, and the Chinese, as support for a Tibetan claim for independence. Ministers would almost certainly

wish to

receive the Dalai Lama in his private and religious

capacity when he next visits the UK.

-

(Since his March visit when

he saw the Lord Chancellor and members of the Royal Family, he has been received inter alia by President Bush, President Waldheim, M. Dumas and the Swiss Foreign Minister; we have warned the Chinese that British Ministers are likely to receive him in future).

CONFIDENTIAL