146.
The Prime Minetor gave M clear REBUIGAça that in conducting the talka she would speak not only for Britain but for Hong Kong. KING' a commitment to the territory has never been in Zoubt, but the Prime Minister' forthright reaffirmation, of it could not have been more timely. Nor is there any doubt that in the search for a solution MMG will take the views and wishes of the people of Hong Kong fully into account. The process of comeultation has already begun. An important stage in it was the visit to London by the group of Menbera of the Executivo and Legislative .Councils. Who accompanied
there at the beginning of September. The process will be a continuoug one and careful consideration will be given to how this consultative process can best be puroued,
now
де
two
147.
Meetings in Peking to follow up Mrs Thatcher's visit have begun. The content of the talko must necessarily remain confidential. The aim will be to complete thom as soon 32 possible. I cannot mako any useful forecapt as to when that will be. There are complex issues to be dingussed, and there
differences between the
vides which must be reconciled. So stendy norvos will be needed in the months ahead. But the Prino Minister has made plain hor belief that, given the common objective, the differences can be reconciled and an
an agreement can be reached, which will be acceptable to China and Britain and which will be welcomed by the people of Hong Kong. I share that belief.
148.
Honourable Monboxs We have 2 statement of common objective from
from the British and Chinege Governmenta. We have the commitment to this territory of the Government of the UK. In the light of that common objective, and that commitment we shall go forward with confidence to pursue our policies and programmes to their conclusion and to project them into the future.
48
/(9) CONCLUSION
1