CODE 18.77

Reference

CONFIDENTIAL

and

Let us follow up X. quicky

5639 collecdn't

Fir McLaren

(for information)

Mr Thompson

(for follow-up actionon para 2)

CHINA AND MACAO

1. Lord Moran rang me this morning to say that he had been able to discuss our telegram about Portuguese intentions over Macao with the Political Director of the Portuguese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Mr Villas-Boas. Mr Villas-Boas referred him to a statement of 6 January 1975 by Dr Mario Soares (the then Portuguese Foreign Minister) in which he had plainly stated that the Portuguese regarded Macao to be a part of mainland China. Mr Villas-Boas claimed that in the negotiations over the establishment of diplomatic relations the Chinese seemed to be anxious for the Portuguese to reiterate this statement. He did not, however, say any- thing about Portugal's intentions over the future of Macao, though Lord Moran said he was certain that the Portuguese will not take any action without consulting us. They were fully aware of the implications for Hong Kong.

2.

Bum

11-hi-78

Lord Goronwy-Roberts asked if we could try to trace the Soares statement of January 1975, and, if we were successful, send a copy to the Embassy in Lisbon.

30 June 1978

R.

Hkk Owoli.

-5 JUL 1978

DEAK OFFICI

INDEX

No

1. Te a

Thil ૪

W.E. Chantill

WE Quantrill

Hong Kong & General Dept

I have spoken to ro had heard of this statement and Research Dept. for

to no Collecot (SED). He loo

Lesben & cue to

сору. Не

asking

He will send are to

боловсше

-the Collott is stiling all ke

papers which for

Cam

13.5ni

find.

N Stags - please keep an eye on this - onlye

CK

vii

-eye on

CONFIDENTIAL

$246.

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