TNAG-2895-FCO40-4169-Correspondence-with-Michael-Kirby--Chairman-of-the-Internati-1993 — Page 7

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There will be alarm and outrage in the international community of human rights if the secret negotiations which you are conducting result in the betrayal not only of Mr Patten's proposals but of the democratic and legal aspirations of the people of Hong Kong. The United Kingdom's record of decolonisation has been a generally honourable and lawful one. I would urge you, and the United Kingdom Government through you, to support Mr Patten's plans.

When the British flag is finally lowered in Hong Kong, let it not be in circumstances of a pusillanimous betrayal of the rule of law, the human rights of the people of Hong Kong and the independence of the judiciary of the colony.

Snever

Inaalhube

MICHAEL KIRBY

(CHAIRMAN, EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE, INTERNATIONAL COMMISSION OF JURISTS)

His Excellency Sir Robert McLaren

British Ambassador to the People's Republic of China British Embassy

Beijing

PEOPLE'S REPUBLIC OF CHINA