LORD PRIVY SEAL'S VISIT TO AUSTRALIA: 13-19 MARCH
FUTURE OF HONG KONG
Brief No
POINTS TO MAKE (DEFENSIVE)
1.
Spent 4 days in China in January.
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
c)
Kong's value as a free port and a centre of commerce and trade, which they, regard as very
important;
realise something has to be done before 1997;
d) do not want prosperity of Hong Kong damaged.
I found this attitude generally encouraging. Naturally we are studying the problem too, 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.
HONG KONG/CHINA RELATIONS
3. 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.
FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH OFFICE
11 FEBRUARY 1982