SECRET
A
CALL ON THE PUS BY MR COOK, DIRECTOR GENERAL, AUSTRALIAN OFFICE OF
NATIONAL ASSESSMENTS
FUTURE OF HONG KONG
LINE TO TAKE
1. Meetings in Peking continuing through diplomatic channel.
Getting on as quickly as we can.
Content confidential.
2.
Governor will attend as and when necessary. Fully in the picture
Close consultation with Executive Council. EXCO Unofficials here
with the Governor next week for consultations,
3.
Talks so far slow and mainly preliminary.
direction.
But moving in right
Believe we may be moving towards a more substantive phase.
We have made no concessions.
Would be a boost to confidence,
4.
Understand Mr Hayden in Hong Kong next week. Well aware of
Australian interest. Important not to do or say anything damaging to
confidence. Sir Victor Garland briefed last Friday.
[IF ASKED ABOUT NEWSWEEK ARTICLE OF 27 JUNE]
5.
Not accurate on the alleged 1984 deadline.
in September.
No fixed timetable.
Deng not specific
Talks that count not rumours.
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