UNCLASSIFIED
FUTURE OF HONG KONG : SOUTHERN TELEVISION INTERVIEW WITH THE LORD PRIVY SEAL: 1500 HOURS, FRIDAY 22 JANUARY 1982
POINTS TO MAKE
1.
(DEN
Spent 4 days in China. Series of discussions, in
particular with Premier Zhao Ziyang and Vice Premier Ji Pengfei.
Discussed future of Hong Kong with both.
2.
Clear to me that the Chinese:
a) are addressing their minds to the problem;
b) will be studying it soon, taking into account
Hong Kong's value as a free port and a centre
of commerce and trade, which they regard as very
important;
c) realise something has to be done before 1997;
d) do not want prosperity of Hong Kong damaged.
I found this attitude generally encouraging. But I do not
think anyone is expecting very rapid progress. It will clearly
be important to take into account the interest of the people of
Hong Kong.
PRIME MINISTER'S VISIT
3. Mrs Thatcher expects to visit China in September 1982.
Her first as Prime Minister, indeed first by any British Prime
Minister. Future likely to be raised.
HONG KONG/CHINA RELATIONS
4. Very good, growing relationship with Guangdong and Fujian
Provinces, through trade, traffic and joint ventures in the
Special Economic Zones.
Visits by both sides' senior officials.