CONFIDENTIAL
building; and to see through the transition in 1997.
Political Section
13. In 1997, the British Consul-General will take over responsibility for promoting the full range of British interests in Hong Kong including reporting on political developments there in the same way as other British missions. Preparing for this role will be the most sensitive part of the
exercise. We need to reconcile two conflicting objectives:
not undermining the Governor as the single source of advice to
Ministers on Hong Kong issues until 1997. The previous Governor
was concerned that the development of the SBTCs political role
before 1997 would risk crossed wires and undermine the
Governor's position. Both Lord Wilson and now Mr Patten have
accepted that members of UKREP JLG should do some informal political reporting on Hong Kong provided that this is copied to the Governor. But a public political role for the SBTC is more sensitive. The Governor is sanguine about the gradual
assumption of political functions by SBTC, but expects him to
avoid public statements which could be interpreted as critical
of HKG's policies.
Giving SBTC the tools he needs (in terms of staff and of
political contacts around Hong Kong) to perform effectively as
the Senior British representative in the territory after 1997.
14. The BTC have at Ministers' request, already made a start in
discreetly expanding their range of contacts. The BTC now has an information officer with a brief to promote HMG's policies in
Hong Kong (which are not always identical to HKG's). The SBTC
will maintain frequent contact with the most senior British
businessmen and bankers and in lobbying HKG discreetly on behalf
of HMG. He will continue his predecessor's informal expansion in
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