(Substitute Brief No 8)
CONFIDENTIAL
SECRETARY OF STATE'S VISIT TO HONG KONG: 30 JUNE
EF NO. 3:
MEETING WITH THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL ROINES TO MAKE IN RESPONSE TO QUESTIONS
FUTURE OF HONG KONG
1.
Understand that the Governor had a successful visit to
China and that Deng Xiaoping stressed the importance of
confidence and investment. Chinese clearly have a realistic
appreciation of the part Hong Kong can play in their drive
Sino-British relations excellent.
for modernisation.
the outlook is very good.
NEW TERRITORIES LEASES
So
2. There is clearly a practical problem about the land
leases in the New Territories. We are looking into ways
of dealing with it which would remove the significance of
1997.99 If asked if the Executive Council will be
consulted 7 Yes, the Executive Council will of course be
consulted.
CHINESE OFFICIAL REPRESENTATION IN HONG KONG
3.
Understand that the Chinese raised this with the Governor
in Peking. British position is the same as the Governor's:
an official Chinese representative is neither necessary nor,
at present, appropriate and the danger of his becoming
involved in local affairs is real. In the meantime glad to
learn that unofficial arrangements working so well.
CHINESE VISA OFFICE IN HONG KONG
4.
Understand this matter was fully discussed in Exco
before approval was given for an office to be opened.
CONFIDENTIAL
/VIETNAMESE