SECRET
Mr Donald
RECEIVED IN REGISTRY
1 5 AUG 1983
DESK OFFICER
INDEX
PA
REGISTRY
Action Taken
y KM2318
Wils
FUTURE OF HONG KONG: REMARKS BY CHINESE MILITARY ATTACHE
1.
FLAG A
Sir J Cater telephoned to say that Miss Clare Hollingworth had told him about remarks made to her by the new Chinese Military Attaché recently at a cocktail party. He apparently said that it was a pity that the talks in Peking had not made much progress. The British side appear unable to appreciate that sovereignty, administration and the application of law were indivisable. It was necessary for HMG to realise this. Miss Hollingworth apparently said that he then commented that if there were no progress the Chinese might have to
1 1 just roll over the border'' He did not enlarge on this.
2.
•
The Military Attaché also suggested that better progress might be made if Mr Heath and Lord Carrington were in charge of British policy. He added that he believed that Field Marshal Bramall was one person who could be expected to understand the Chinese point of view. He intended to speak to the CDS himself.
3.
This is worrying, not so much for the substance as for the evidence of wedge-driving in the possible approach to the CDS. You might think it worth having a word with the latter.
4.
Sir J Cater said he would be recording this and sending a copy to Mr Davies in Hong Kong. I am sure we can rely on the latter not to let the information get anywhere near EXCO, but we cannot be sure what use Miss Hollingworth will make of it.
5 August 1983
RD Clift
Hong Kong Department
* I have droffed a
Permal
line.
SECRET
11/8