TNAG-2870-FCO40-4124-Sponsored-visits-by-UK-MPs-and-officials-to-Hong-Kong-1993 — Page 3

CONFIDENTIAL

3. Just as HMG sponsors foreign visitors to the UK, the Hong

Kong Government offer sponsored visits in order to cultivate prominent or well-connected people, (MPS, Peers, officials, journalists etc). Their aim is to encourage a sympathetic attitude and, in the case of MPs, the hope that they will

speak in support of Hong Kong in debates etc. To the extent that it encourages a deeper understanding of Hong Kong issues, it is of considerable help to HMG in pursuing our

Hong Kong policy.

4.

eg the

From time to time, on certain issues, our policy will conflict with the wishes of the Hong Kong Government;

Governor has recommended that the ethnic minority in Hong

Kong be given British citizenship but the Home Secretary has

refused; (the Government lost a Lords' motion debate on this

issue on 15 July). However, in any such case in future, the

conventions would require that Mr Knight and Mr Mitchell supported the Government line. I do not think they could be

said, by accepting these invitations, to have exposed

themselves to undue or improper influence (Hong Kong is after after all a Dependent Territory, not a foreign power).

4. The departmental Legal Adviser has seen this in draft

and concurs.

J C Morris

mase1

JM

CONFIDENTIAL