CALL BY MR DAVID DAVIES: 3.00 PM ON 29 SEPTEMBER 1983
POINTS TO MAKE
1.
Kind of you to call before flying to Hong Kong.
you will find your new appointment challenging.
with Hong Kong?
Am sure
Are you familiar
2.
Talks with Chinese in progress since Prime Minister's
visit last September. Four rounds since second phase began in
July. Next round scheduled for 19/20 October.
3.
HMG committed to aim of reaching solution acceptable to
people of Hong Kong as well as British and Chinese Governments.
Will be difficult, but believe we have basis similarity of
interest with Chinese in stable and prosperous Hong Kong.
4.
Considerable uncertainty and nervousness in Hong Kong over
future of territory. Reflected in fall of dollar and stock
market.
Virulent Chinese propaganda campaign. HMG and Hong Kong
Governor have followed policy of maintaining confidentiality.
5.
Further
HMG attach great importance to continuing stability of
Hong Kong. Aware that property market still very fragile.
alarms (eg Carrian) could seriously affect financial sector
as well.
Hong Kong Department
29 September 1983