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PRIME MINISTER'S TALKS WITH MR LUBBERS AND CHANCELLOR KOHL :
19-21 SEPTEMBER 1983
FUTURE OF HONG KONG
[DEFENSIVE]
POINTS TO MAKE (MR LUBBERS)
1.
1. Talks through diplomatic channels between Britain and China agreed last September. Meetings held in Peking with common aim of
maintaining Hong Kong's stability and prosperity.
2. Second (ie more detailed) phase of talks began in July. Will
reconvene 22/23 September after seven week recess. Chinese
delegation led by Vice Foreign Minister Yao Guang, British
delegation by HMA Peking. Governor of Hong Kong participating as appropriate on British side.
3. Content of talks confidential.
Atmosphere generally friendly
though Chinese line on substance tough throughout. We have given nothing away.
4. Our aim is to seek a settlement acceptable to Britain, China and
people of Hong Kong. Their views being taken fully into account. Made known to us and Governor through many channels. We are in close
consultation, through the Governor, with Hong Kong's Executive
Council (EXCO). Mr Luce to visit Hong Kong 24-29 September.
5. Chinese propaganda has floated idea of Hong Kong as (Special
Administrative Region(SAR) under Chinese constitution, with considerable autonomy and functioning essentially as it does now.
Propaganda campaign aimed at undermining our position. Party
General Secretary, Hu Yaobang, told Japanese reporters on 15 August
that China would recover sovereignty over Hong Kong on 1 July 1997. He gave erroneous impression. We have conceded nothing.
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