TNAG-2360-FCO40-3431-Visit-by-John-Major--UK-Prime-Minister--to-Hong-Kong--Septem-1991 — Page 21

CONFIDENTIAL

need to strengthen links between ExCo and LegCo, notably by appointing some directly-elected members. In principle it would be right to appoint Mr Martin Lee, if his party does as well as expected, but he has said that he could not accept the requirements of confidentiality or collective responsibility. His appointment would also

exacerbate China/HKG relations.

Vietnamese Migrants

Although the talks on internationally managed

centres (IMCs) for the screened-out appeared to be making progress, the Vietnamese are now saying that they view the problems (particularly over sovereignty) as

insurmountable. They have suggested that we consider

other approaches including repatriating the

double-backers at talks in Hanoi in mid-September.

Prime Minister has agreed in principle that the

double-backers should be repatriated, but no decision has

yet been taken on timing. All the necessary preparations

are in place, and we should be ready to go ahead by

26 September.

say:

The

With the Governor and ExCo the Prime Minister might

-

Appreciate Hong Kong's difficulties. Now seems

inevitable that we will have to repatriate the

double-backers very soon. Understand that you will be

ready to go ahead by week beginning 26 September.

International reaction is likely to be critical.

But double-backers are a special case and Vietnam agrees

CONFIDENTIAL