SECRET
PRIME MINISTER'S MEETING WITH SIR S Y CHUNG, SENIOR UNOFFICIAL
MEMBER OF THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL, AT 5 PM ON 4 MAY 1983: FUTURE
OF HONG KONG
POINTS TO MAKE
1.
Glad to continue our meetings to discuss the future of
Hong Kong. Pleased that since our last meeting EXCO have continued to play such an important role.
2.
We remain fully committed to achieving a solution that maintains stability and prosperity and is acceptable to people in Hong Kong as well as to Parliament.
3.
Progress bound to be slow. The Chinese have not helped by dragging their feet. But that does not alter our aim.
4.
Wanted, in my message to Zhao, to show that I am not in a
position to meet the Chinese premise on sovereignty but that we
are serious about starting detailed negotiations.
5.
Hope that Chinese response will be favourable. But if
not, shall continue to look for ways to make progress towards
the agreed objectives. Look forward to keeping in close touch
with you in either event, and welcome prospect of you and other
Unofficials visiting London with the Governor within the next
month or two.
6.
An additional
point will be provided when the PM's views are known].
SECRET
THIS IS A COPY
THE ORIGINAL HAS BEEN
CLOSED FOR
574 YEARS UNDER FOI EXEMPTION No. 40, 271) and (2)
38,41