HONG KONG STUDY
ANNEX P
SECRET
ILLUSTRATIVE QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS FOLLOWING THE PRIME
MINISTER'S VISIT TO CHINA
The suggested answers have been drafted on the assumption
that agreement will have been reached to hold talks about
the future, either on an agreed basis or without commitment
on either side, but that there will have been no joint
statement. If a joint statement were agreed some of the
questions could be answered by reference to it.
Q.
What discussions did you have with Chinese leaders
on the future of Hong Kong?
A.
I had a full and friendly discussion with Premier
Zhao Ziyang and with Vice Chairman Deng Xiaoping. I can't
tell you about the substance, but we had a good exploratory
talk. We agreed that confidential talks should be held
through diplomatic channels. The purpose of the talks will
be to discuss arrangements for the future of Hong
Kong [in the longer term] [after 1997] in the interests of
both governments and of the people of Hong Kong. There was
complete agreement between us that the objective must be
to preserve the stability and prosperity of Hong Kong and
the well-being of its people.
SECRET
Q.
Did you
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