Macao file
HKK
бле
020/1
RECEIVED IN REGGIZY NU
- 4 OCT 1983
DESK OFFICER INDEX
PA
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CONFIDENTIAL
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RECORD OF A MEETING BETWEEN THE FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH SECRETARY
AND PORTUGUESE FOREIGN MINISTER, HELD IN 1 CARLTON GARDENS, 22 SEPTEMBER 1983, 2.45-3.30pm
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Present
Sir G Howe
Mr R Whitney
Mr H C Byatt
HM Ambassador at Lisbon
Mr C M James
AUS
Mr D H A Hannay AUS
Mr D C Wilson
Head of SED
Mr R B Bone
APS
Mr RJ Codrington SED
Dr Jaime Gama
Minister for Foreign Affairs
Dr J Hall Themido
Secretary General, MFA
Dr Vaz Pereira
Director General of Political Affairs, MFA
Sr Macedo
Minister-Counsellor, Portuguese
Embassy
Dr Castro Brandao
Assistant Private Secretary
HONG KONG
During a general discussion, the Portuguese Foreign Minister
asked to be brought up to date on our negotiations with China.
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2.
The Secretary of State said that there were important differences between Hong Kong and Macao. Britain's treaty rights over all but the small area of sovereign territory expired in 1997. We believed that the prosperity and stability of Hong Kong depended upon the unique conditions built up over many years. We were trying to persuade China that an atmosphere of confidence must be maintained for Hong Kong to continue to prosper. Some continuity beyond 1997 would be essential for this. There could be no doubt
that sovereignty would be returned, but that need not involve an
automatic transfer of administration. China held that sovereignty and administration were indivisible. The latest round of talks
was taking place that day.
CONFIDENTIAL
13.