UK/CANADA
SECRET
THIS IS A COPY
THE ORIGINAL HAS BEEN RETAINED IN THE DEPARTMENT UNDER SECTION 3 (4) OF THE PUBLIC RECORDS ACT 1958
DISCUSSIONS 5/6 DECEMBER 1983-
((35)
HKK040/5
FUTURE OF HONG KONG
POINTS TO MAKE
423
P
exberri
1. Keeping your government informed at high level
Second, more detailed phase of
Sino-British talks began 12 July. Six rounds since.
2. Fifth (19/20 October) and sixth (14/15 November) rounds both
jointly described as 'useful and constructive'. At October meeting 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 or to any final agreement. Well received.
3.
November session heavier going. Chinese restated their position on matters of principle. Fleshed out some of details of See 637 their SAR plan for Hong Kong but these still appear rudimentary.
4.
Chinese said they were ready to hear our views on practical arrangements for Hong Kong after 1997. But they maintained that only where 'British interests' were directly involved could there be
detailed discussion.
5.
Signs that Chinese still see road to further progress in terms of agreement on principles. We stressed need to fill in details and discuss practicalities if:
(a) confidence and continuity in Hong Kong were to be sustained
in the long-term;
(b) we, and subsequently Parliament were to form a considered
view of the overall package of Chinese proposals;
(c) Both sides were to reach arrangements for Hong Kong which
would fulfil agreed common aim of talks.
Although Chinese showed limited understanding of our
SECRET