TNAG-2715-FCO40-3921-House-of-Commons-Select-Committee-on-Foreign-Affairs-enquiry-1993 — Page 62

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NISTRY

Wrap Up Meeting with the

Foreign Affairs Committee

(19 October 1993)

for Fitz file pi

FAC (011/8)

90

нить си/8 RECERE IN

2. OCT 1993

DESK OFFICER

INDEX

PA

REGISTRY Action Taken

The CS and the FS held a wrap up meeting with the

of the FAC just before

visiting Members

departure on 19 October.

the

Committee's

2.

for asked

steer on the way

Mr David Howell forward. His general impression had been that short concern in Hong Kong was tempered by long term optimism.

3.

however,

60

there

а was

term

Of

difference

The CS said that the HKG took confidence from the regular polls. These displayed general, consistent support

to 70 percent for the Governor's proposals by respondents. HKG had been slightly surprised by such solid support. He accepted, between the views expressed by the "grass roots" and those of the business community. The other important fact that the economy was in good condition. people more confident.

was

This had made

4.

MY

Howell

noted that

while the Governor's

proposals were obviously popular it was possible that this The Committee had been told in popularity was misleading.

evidence that over 99 percent of the population wished to One political group had said avoid an argument with China.

There was a

that people preferred stability to democracy. problem of asking people to express an opinion on something Their answers might disguise

that was obviously desirable.

real fear.

G.F. 324

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