BACKGROUND
BRIEFING NOTE ON THE FUTURE OF HONG KONG
FLAG B
1. The Prime Minister visited China and Hong Kong
in September 1982.
2. During her visit to China, the first ever by a
British Prime Minister in office, one of the subjects
discussed was Hong Kong. The following statement
was issued after a meeting between Mrs Thatcher and
Chairman Deng Xiaoping on 24 September:
'Today the leaders of both countries held
far-reaching talks in a friendly atmosphere
on the future of Hong Kong.
Both leaders
made clear their respective positions on
this subject.
They agreed to enter talks through diplomatic
channels following the visit with the common
aim of maintaining the stability and
prosperity of Hong Kong.'
3.
Meetings in Peking to follow up the Prime Minister's
visit have begun through diplomatic channels and are
continuing.
Their content must remain confidential.
/NO