TNAG-2789-FCO40-4028-Future-of-Hong-Kong-1993 — Page 94

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SIR PERCY CRADOCK'S BOOK, "EXPERIENCES OF CHINA"

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I was asked to read the draft of Sir P Cradock's book (copy now with FED). I understand he has been promised a swift reply on whether we have any objections to its publication.

2.

The book could be roughly divided into two halves. The first half describes Sir P Cradock's times in China up to 1982 with particular emphasis on the period around the storming of the British Embassy during the cultural revolution. Almost all of this is previously covered ground (save for his attacks on London for being too inflexible in dealing with the Chinese) and is unobjectionable.

3.

The second half (still over 100 pages) refers to the negotiations with the Chinese leading up to the signing of the Joint Declaration and subsequent agreements on the airport. Sir P Cradock makes clear that little of value was achieved without his personal intervention, although unfortunately during his time as the Prime Minister's Foreign Affairs Adviser he was not always able to keep his eye on Hong Kong.

4.

The publication of this book would do no damage to Sir P Cradock's relations with the Chinese, nor I believe, to Sino-British relations in general. It would, however, be very bad news for the execution of our present policies. Although Sir P Cradock makes clear the importance of Hong Kong as a concept to UK/China he shows a great lack of patience for, or empathy with, Hong Kong people. Indeed, even some Foreign Office officials seem tainted once they become Governor. Typical is his pen portrait of Martin Lee `a slight, intense, dogmatic, self-absorbed lawyer'. This

is particularly damaging since he gives the impression that a number of other senior diplomats, particularly Sir R McLaren, Tony Galsworthy, William Ehrman and Christopher Hum ("Cradock's People") are to be closely associated with his views on China and Hong Kong.

5.

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In my view the document if produced in-house, would be classified 'Confidential'. I agree however with LRD that we should not attempt to persuade Sir Percy to amend or abort the book. I do not believe that he would do so, and in any event attempts to suppress the book would only serve as publicity for it. I find it disappointing that a Prime Minister can no longer speak to a senior civil servant in the expectation of the conversation not being reported in print a few months

later.

RAJ Bunten 4 May 1993

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