SECRET
SUPPLEMENTARY BRIEF TO BRIEF NO 8(b) : LEASES IN NEW TERRITORIES
POINTS TO MAKE
1. As in paragraph 3 of 'Points to Make' of main brief.
PRESS
2. Will tackle this problem in low-key fashion so as to avoid
speculation, but already much public discussion in Hong Kong and
British press. Essential to keep content of our discussions
confidential. But will need to say something to the press after
Secretary of State's visit. We suggest:
'We talked of Hong Kong, and in particular how important
it is that there should be continuing and expanding
cooperation in the economic field to the mutual advantage
of China and of Hong Kong. It is clear that Hong Kong has
a role to play in the context of China's policy of the
four modernisations'."
[If the Secretary of State has been able to encourage Vice Premier
Deng to build on his 'hearts at ease' assurance of last year, we
might add:
'We talked of the longer term too and importantly I was told
that the statement made last year to the Governor of Hong Kong
that investors should put their hearts at ease' applied to
leaseholders in Hong Kong as well as intending investors.
LAND LEASES IN NEW TERRITORIES
3. We have examined ways in which leases might be granted in the
New Territories which would not necessarily come to an end in 1997.
Whatever method was used it would obviously be helpful if the first
lease were in favour of a Chinese Government agency or official
organisation in Hong Kong for a fairly lengthy period.
*
We would
/want
SECRET