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THIS DOCUMENT IS THE PROPERTY OF HER BRITANNIC MAJESTY'S GOVERNMENT
PMVE (83) C5
2 NOVEMBER 1983
COPY NO
COMMONWEALTH HEADS OF GOVERNMENT MEETING, NEW DELHI
23-29 NOVEMBER 1983
HONG KONG
BRIEF BY FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH OFFICE
UK OBJECTIVE (IF THIS SUBJECT IS RAISED)
To give a general outline of our talks with the Chinese Government on the future of Hong Kong.
POINTS TO MAKE (DEFENSIVE)
1. A IN BILATERALS WITH AUSTRALIANS, CANADIANS AND NEW ZEALANDERS
ONLY.
(i).
Keeping your Government informed. Fifth round in second phase of talks 19/20 October. Described by both sides as useful and constructive. We proposed discussion of practical measures to maintain Hong Kong's stability and prosperity on basis of China's plan for Hong Kong as Special Administrative Region (SAR) of China but without prejudice to our own position. Well received. Expect
Subeeper rond more detailed discussions on this basis. At next round 14/15
November we aim to concentrate on areas where most common ground
likely eg Hong Kong's legal and financial systems. Meanwhile informal contact to continue between negotiators.
B. WITH ALL COMMONWEALTH REPRESENTATIVES
Common aim of maintaining
(ii) Sino-British talks through diplomatic channels agreed
September 1982. Meetings held Peking.
Hong Kong's stability and prosperity.
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