BACKGROUND
File Cory
BRIEFING NOTE ON THE FUTURE OF HONG KONG
HKK040
RECEIVED IN REGISTRY
TV AUG 1983
VERK CEFICER
INDEX
PA
REGISTRY
Action Taken
4 km2518
1. The Prime Minister visited China and Hong Kong in September
1982.
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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:
3.
"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.
"
Meetings in Peking to follow up the Prime Minister's visit began soon afterwards and are continuing. On 1 July the following
statement was issued in Peking, London and Hong Kong:
4.
"Following the discussions between the leaders of the two countries in September 1982 and subsequent useful exchanges, it has been agreed that a second phase of the talks on the future of Hong Kong will begin in Peking on 12 July 1983.'
As part of the second phase, talks were held in Peking on 12/13 July, 25/26 July, and 2/3 August. The following statement was
issued there on 3 August:
"The two sides held further talks on 2 and 3 August. As
planned, the talks will resume in September. The next round will be held on 22 and 23 September in Peking.'
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