CONFIDENTIAL
Brief No 2
VISIT TO HONG KONG BY SECRETARY OF STAT FOR TRADE:
26-30 JANUARY 1980
BRIEF NO 2: POLITICAL BRIEF
LINE TO TAKE
Anglo/Hong Kong Relations (also for use at Press Conference)
1. Great admiration for Hong Kong which we regard as a success
story. We have a special responsibility towards the territory
and will do all we can to promote its interests.
2.
Hong Kong/China Relations (also for use at Press Conference)
Relations with China over Hong Kong are excellent. China
shares our interest in the territory's stability and prosperity.
This was clearly shown by the assurances given to the Governor
by Vice Premier Deng Xiaoping in March and by the Chinese Foreign
Minister in London in November.
Future of Hong Kong (defensive)
3. The Chinese have made it clear that it is still too soon to
consider Hong Kong's future in any detail. The subject was touched
on in general terms during the Chinese Prime Minister's visit to
London last November, and we have agreed to keep in contact. The
important thing is that Britain and China have a mutual interest
in maintaining Hong Kong's stability and prosperity.
Immigration from China to Hong Kong (also for use at Press Conference)
4.
Seriously concerned over continuing high level of immigrants
from China. Premier Hua Guofeng assured the Prime Minister that
now measures would be taken to control the flow of illegal immiges le
We hope that these will soon begin to take effect.
CONFIDENTIAT,
/Vietnamese