ODE
18-77
S$ 8/78
Mr Darroen
Reference
HONG KONG
1. You will have seen the recent reports in the Japan Times on remarks about Hong Kong made by Chinese leaders to ir Ishibashi of the JSP during his visit to Peking. The Yomiuri and Tokyo of 30 September gave rather fuller accounts by their Peking correspondents. According to the Yomiuri, e Yaobang told
the Mr Ishibashi that following the reunification of Taiwan with, and the return of Hong Kong to, the mainland, these areas would be treated as Special Administrative Areas and that their own political, social and economic systems would be maintained. Hu said that apart from these 2 areas (Taiwan and Hong Kong), China had absolutely no territorial ambitions. He continued, emphasising China's basic position on Taiwan and Hong Kong: "Our position is clear that 30 June 1997 is the time limit for the lease on Hong Kong. We are confident of the return (of Hong Kong) and reunification of Taiwan, and we will not tolerate any interference by either America or Britain (to frustrate that intention)." Both reports also quote Hu as saying "Not only will we not damage the profitability of Japanese companies operating in Taiwan and Hong Kong when those territories are returned to us, we also guarantee that they will be permitted to expand.'
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2. The H of C thought you may wish to report the above by letter to FED.
4 October 1983
Alahmi
A F Pinnell