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interference, at present provided by British
administrative link.
On sovereignty, Chinese and British positions well-known. We fully realise importance of sovereignty issue to
China. We are not inflexible. Are willing to consider any solution acceptable to Britain, China and Hong Kong.
Background. NOT FOR USE
2. The Prime Minister is aware of the background to the Future of
Hong Kong.
3. Unlike the Americans, the Canadians have not been kept
regularly abreast of developments in our talks with the Chinese.
However the Prime Minister has now agreed that they should be taken
more fully into our confidence at a high level. Her meeting with Mr
Trudeau provides an opportunity for a further briefing.
4. The Chinese Foreign Minister will be visiting Canada early in
October and this may provide an occasion for the Canadians to make
some helpful points. The Canadians have been showing greater interest in Hong Kong's future and have passed us some useful
material of their own. During her stay in Canada, the Prime Minister will meet Mr Lougheed, the Premier of Alberta who will
recently have returned from visiting China and Hong Kong. The Canadian Department of External Affairs have included 'Hong Kong's future' in their briefing for Mr Trudeau.
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
14 September 1983
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