TNAG-2743-FCO40-3958-Visits-by-Commonwealth-officials--ministers-and-public-figur-1993 — Page 7

CONFIDENTIAL

XCX(93)28

14

Given the nature of the subject, public consultation is not considered necessary or appropriate.

PUBLIC REACTION

15

Since the HKSAR will cease to be a part of the Commonwealth in 1997, the general public is expected to be either indifferent or accept the severance of formal links with the Commonwealth as inevitable. Individual non-Governmental organisations may be concerned about the future of their links with corresponding Commonwealth organisations and may wish to obtain guidance from the Government in due course. Given the current climate in our relations with China, the left wing press might criticize the continuation of links with the Commonwealth, albeit informally, as attempts to "internationalize" Hong Kong.

PUBLICITY

16

There will be no publicity and no Legislative Council Brief will issue. A line-to-take, however, will be prepared to deal with possible enquiries.

ATTENDANCE

Mr D.M. EDWARDS

Law Officer (International Law)

Mrs J. CHOK

Principal Assistant Secretary (Constitutional Affairs)

4 June 1993

(CAB B3/4(93) Pt. 4)