TNAG-2604-FCO40-3792-Detention-of-Hong-Kong-residents-in-China-1992 — Page 45

I am afraid I do not see the proposed visit by the

delegation which you mention in your letter as being likely to make similar progress. While a straight forward, fact-finding visit to China could well add

constructively to the pressure on the Chinese authorities, the idea of subsequently holding a publicity meeting in Hong Kong is likely to have only negative effects. It would be seized upon by the Chinese as a classic example of Hong Kong being used as a "base for subversion" against China, and they would therefore

reject any of the findings of your visit to China. This would not help those in China for whom your group has

sympathy.

Hong Kong has long had a policy of protecting freedom of speech of its own people but also, understandably, of not allowing the territory to be used as a spring-board for political activities directed

against China by outsiders. The Hong Kong Government

have advised me that normal immigration criteria would have to be adopted in the case of the proposed visit by the delegation, just as in other cases.

Using Hong Kong as a place to beat the drum simply creates problems for the people of Hong Kong without helping those concerned in China. I hope you will encourage your delegation to reconsider the wisdom of the proposal to hold a meeting in Hong Kong.

LORD CAITHNESS

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