TNAG-2905-FCO40-4179-Hong-Kong-Governor-1993 — Page 26

CONFIDENTIAL

4.

I spent several hours with Winston Lord in

Washington last week. He was at pains to emphasise to me

that in his present job he should not be regarded as a

human rights activist, citing the fact that he was

Kissinger's right-hand man on Vietnam as evidence to the

contrary. He also told me clearly that on Hong Kong the

US "would follow the UK's lead. As the situation

developed they would welcome advice on what would and

would not be useful". I am pretty sure, therefore that if

the Governor decided not to receive the award on this

visit Winston Lord would understand a careful explanation.

5.

It is a difficult judgement. But in my view the

priority should be not to put at risk the prospects of

success in the talks for the sake of an event which is not

essential. I think the Governor could best reply simply

to the effect that he is grateful for the offer but it has

come too late to be fitted into his programme. I do not

think he need commit himself now to receiving the award on

a visit next year. He could then explain to Winston Lord

that the timing, just as talks were under way, was particularly delicate.

6.

It is helpful to know from Mr Dinham that he

believes the Governor would accept something on these

I have revised the halt tatagram.

lines.

folm

toles.

Sir John Coles

CONFIDENTIAL