.5.
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9
problem was that, as 1997 approached, uncertainty about new leases grew. The Governor had later made some proposals which the Chinese
Government had found unacceptable. The British Government would not. pursue these, since any proposals had to be acceptable to both sides. But he would be grateful if Premier Hua could give thought, or cause thought to be given, to the problem of maintaining confidence in
Hong Kong's future. It was not in the interests of China, or of Hong Kong, that uncertainties about this should put the future of Hong Kong into jeopardy, and affect investment confidence there. The Prime Minister said that the British Government did not expect
an answer on the spot, but were asking the Chinese Government to give
thought to the question.
Premier Hua replied that the Chinese Government had given
serious thought to this question, and had given their reply to the British Government. They had to be very careful about what was
said about Chinese territory. On the other hand, the Chinese
Government had very good relations with the British Government, and
with the British authorities in Hong Kong. At his press conference
before his departure from China for Western Europe, he had answered questions on Hong Kong, and, so far as he was aware, the
reaction had been favourable. It had been noted that the Chinese
Government would keep in touch with the British Government and
would take account of the anxieties of investors even after the
problem had been resolved.
The talks concluded at 1710. In the presence of the Prime Minister and Premier Hua, the Cultural Agreement was then signed by the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs and the Chinese Minister of Foreign Affairs; and the Air Services Agreement by the Secretary of State for Trade and Vice-Premier
Yu Qiuli.
5 November 1979
Пил
CONFIDENTIAL