78
SECRET
From: M L Howard Secretariat (Overseas) (Commitments)
MINISTRY OF DEFENCE
Main Building, Whitehall SW1
071 218 6272
fur Braton, Pa
Use Sulfofoor dual & our Tel to HK
P Ricketts Esq
Hong Kong Department
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
King Charles St
London SW1
D/Sec(0) (C) 6/7
14 June 1993
HKA 063/1
Dear Gelir,
HONG KONG:
WITHDRAWAL OF THE GARRISON: PUBLIC HANDLING AND TELLING THE CHINESE
1. I thought it might be useful to set down what we see as the various components of our strategy for telling the Chinese and announcing our plans for the future of the garrison, and who is going to do what.
2. Our basic approach should be to present all this as the culmination of a measured period of planning and review, rather than a major change to existing intentions. The first step will be to tell the Chinese at the earliest opportunity after the OPD (K) decision. Presumably you and the JLG will draft the necessary speaking note, clearing it with us and HQBF. We agreed that after a suitable period (maybe 10 days) to allow the Chinese to digest this and comment if they wish, we would make more or less simultaneous announcements in Hong Kong and London. The former would be in the form of a press announcement, possibly made at a Press Conference held by CBF, with the Secretary for Security in attendance. The latter would be in the form of an inspired written PQ. We, in conjunction with HQBF Hong Kong, will prepare drafts for both, together with draft supporting Q&A material. All this will of course be agreed with you.
3. As for precise dates, assuming we are able to secure OPD (K) agreement by 25 June as we hope, I would anticipate the Chinese being told on 28 June (the next working day), with the public announcements being made on about 8 July. Obviously, if the Governor insists on telling EXCO before the OPD (K) paper is circulated, all this would have to be postponed by about 10 days.
SECRET
14/6
No comments yet.
Private notes are available after approval.