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Foreign and Commonwealth Office
London SW1A 2AH
S J Gomersall Esq
WASHINGTON
Telephone 01-
MKK040/5
RECE:VLDU. NIGDY
aben
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661
Your reference
Our reference
HKK 040/5
Date 20 December 1983
Jeandom.
FUTURE OF HONG KONG
'CM23/12
VISIT TO CHINA BY M THORN OF THE EUROPEAN COMMISSION
You asked us recently for an account of M Thorn's discussions on Hong Kong during his visit to China in early November. I a m sorry we have not been able to get this to you sooner.
1.
2.
During Thorn's visit to China both Deng Xiaoping and Wu Xueqian raised the subject of Hong Kong. (We had provided some basic background briefing for him but had not asked him to raise the subject or to make any particular points).
3.
Chin
ז
On 5 November Thorn briefed EC ambassadors in Peking on the outcome of his discussions in Hong Kong. Among the subjects he mentioned were the September 1984 deadline', the implications for Taiwan of China's policy towards Hong Kong, and Chinese comments on "co-administration" (a concept which we have never discussed with the Chinese).
4.
as
It was unfortunate that. the Chinese leadersychose to use Thorn a channel for comments on bilateral negotiations with ourselves. It was also unfortunate that Thorn then reported as he did to all the EC ambassadors and not bilaterally to us: he also gave a wider distribution to his written record than we should have wished. Furthermo: his report indicated that Deng seemed to be under
be under a misapprehension on а number of points.
5.
As a result of this episode the Ambassador took an early opportunity to clarify the situation with Vice-Foreign Minister Yao. It was
should also impressed upon Thorn and his party that we appreciate greater discretion in the handling of this exchange and any future exchanges. Thorn made it clear that he understood the sensitivity of the subject and had no ambition to become directly involved.
6.
shared
in
We shall prefer you to draw very sparingly on the above
one The episode is not speaking to the State Department.
to which wish to draw attention. Fortunately it seems to have passed off
15 without any damaging leaks. It was unfortunate, but it water under the bridge now and we hope that those concerned at the Commission
we
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/will