CODE 18-77
3 Sec
RESTRICTED
Reference
pa
8
lut suppet
host 23/11.
(carda) Borne Joves
CANADA/HONG KONG
1.
On 10 June I called on Ron Briggs (Deputy Director, North Asia Relations Division) and Mary Boyd (Desk Officer for Hong Kong) in the DEA. Drawing on the three letters in Mr Ricketts' fax of 6 November, I briefed them in confidence on the Governor's recent visit to Peking.
2.
They
The DEA were grateful for this further background. confirmed that the Prime Minister and Mrs McDougall are expected to be very supportive of the Governor at their meetings on 13 and 14 November, but both will probably be interested to probe Mr Patten on how strongly he will press his constitutional proposals if opposition to them grows in Hong Kong.
3.
In answer to Ms Boyd's question, I said I was sure the Prime Minister, Mr Hurd and FCO officials were firmly behind the Governor and his proposals. Ms Boyd also asked whether there would be pressure on HMG from UK business interests seeking large contracts in China, if there was deadlock on the Governor's constitutional proposals. I said I had no information on that, and that the point might best be explored by the Canadian High Commission with the FCO.
4. Mr Briggs confirmed that the DEA will be pleased to give us a read-out next week on the Governor's visit and the impressions gained by Canadian Ministers.
10 November 1992
Cc:
3D
B H Dinwiddy
HC (with Mr Ricketts' fax of 6 November) PF Ricketts Esq, Hong Kong Dept, FCO
RESTRICTED
HKD Q1/
2. NOV 1997
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