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THIS DOCUMENT IS THE PROPERTY OF HER BRITANNIC MAJESTY'S GOVERNMENT
NMV(79) 11
17 October 1979
COPY NO
VISIT OF PREMIER HUA GUOFENG OF CHINA
28 OCTOBER-3 NOVEMBER 1979
HONG KONG
Brief by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office
POINTS TO MAKE
1.
2.
Pleased that relations over Hong Kong are so good.
Strong mutual interest in the stability and prosperity of
Hong Kong. Hong Kong ready to play a constructive role in
China's modernisation programme.
3.
There are one or two outstanding problems. We are concerned
at the continuing high level of immigration from China into
Hong Kong. We were also disappointed by the Chinese response
to our proposal for dealing with the practical problem of property
leases in the New Territories of Hong Kong.
4.
It is in the Chinese interest as well as that of Britain and
Hong Kong that these problems should be resolved.
Suggest that they
be pursued between the Secretary of State and the Chinese Foreign
Minister.
BACKGROUND
5. China has a major interest in the stability and prosperity
of Hong Kong. The territory provides about a third of China's foreign exchange earnings and is an increasingly important source of investment and expertise. Chinese organisations are investing heavily in Hong Kong and a growing number of Hong Kong firms are
/becoming
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