TNAG-2766-FCO40-3983-Hong-Kong-and-the-media-interviews--press-briefings-and-the--1993 — Page 109

from:

JOHN ELLISON Tel/Fax

081 946 5627

F

01

TO SARA VERATT, NEWS DEPT VIA FAX

4 January 1993

Dear Sana,

First may say how delighted I am that the

Foreign Secretary has agreed to write a piece for the Brietal Daily News . They could hardly be more pleased and

are ready to give his words

a considerable projection.

1

realise that Mr Hurd is presently away, but the sooner after his return the project could be undertaken, the happier everyone ay end would be.

While I have no doubt the Foreign Secretary

Lo say, I will have a very clear idea of what he wants wonder if we might raise two issues which seem to me be very relevant in the k debate just now.... viz:

to

1. What concrete steps might Britain be ready or able to take to facilitate the re-opening of a dialogue with China an ambition plainly shared by the government politicians and businessmen here and in UK?

S

How does the Foreign Secretary see British policy developing after the crucial Legco vote in the spring (either in the event of the draft legislation being approved, or rejected by the Council)?

Both questions seem to be at the root of the theme which 1 imagine Mr Hurd will want to take up, which is how Britain might be seeking to overcome the present confrontations with Peking and lead Hong kong towards

a satisfactory transition in 1997.

I leave these thoughts for what use they may be and would add my personal thanks to Mr Hurd and my good wishes for a happy and successful 1993.

For the rest, I await word from your

good self.

Yours sincerely,

•