TNAG-2360-FCO40-3431-Visit-by-John-Major--UK-Prime-Minister--to-Hong-Kong--Septem-1991 — Page 71

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Reference

file.

50

HKD

<D 026/13.

Mr Stone

Miss Saunders o/r

Mr Riordan/Mr Sainty

Mr Hague

Separate

copies

PRIME MINISTER'S VISIT TO HONG KONG: 4-5 SEPTEMBER 1991

1.

I think that the PS to PS/No 10 briefing letter for this visit should concentrate on the points which ExCo members and political, business and community leaders are likely to put to the Prime Minister and the messages he should convey in response. (His meeting with the Governor will be primarily a briefing for these contacts, so there is no need to brief for it). I see no need for separate briefing for the Secretary of State.

Objectives

2.

We have recommended that general objectives are to secure widespread expressions of support for the airport MOU and for cooperation with China; to demonstrate our continuing commitment, notably to maintaining HKG's authority; and to counter suspicions of secret UK/China deals.

Briefs

3.

Could you therefore please draft terse background (a few sentences maximum) and points to make (even if only defensive points) on:

(a) (b)

(၁)

Airport

Consultation with China/JLG (including CFA, defence lands, ASA)

Vietnamese migrants (with SEAD)

Nationality

LegCo elections and pace of democratisation Civil service issues

(d)

(e)

(£)

(g)

MFN, inflation and other economic issues

(h)

Defence issues: garrison, patrol-craft

(i)

(j)

Crime, BCCI and other topical Hong Kong issues (for SBTC's reception) UK business prospects (we might also include a background paper on this, drawing on the BTC telegram which set the scene for Lord Caithness's visit).

CODE 18-77

Press

(k)

(Background only) ExCo changes

Please also draft lines to take with the press on all these subjects.

4.

EELAMQ

TG

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