Foreign and Commonwealth Office
London SW1A 2AH
From The Minister of State
Richard Luce MP
22 December 1983
HKK 040/13.
RECEIVED IN REGISTRY
29 DEL 1983
Dear
Cecil
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DESK OFFICER
INDEX
PA
AEGISTRY
Action Talent
Thank you for your letter of 16 December on behalf of (66
your constituent, Mr John Sacks of Arenson Group PLC, on the future of Hong Kong.
We are deeply conscious of the present concerns of the Hong Kong people. We believe that they can best be met by bringing to a satisfactory conclusion the confidential Sino-British talks on Hong Kong's future, which are currently taking place. The two sides in these talks have as their common aim the maintenance of Hong Kong's stability and prosperity. The British Government is seeking a settlement which will ensure this continuing there, and will be acceptable to Britain, China and the people of Hong Kong. The Prime Minister has made clear that their views will continue to be taken fully into account. In this connection the Governor and Unofficial Members of his Executive Council will again visit London in mid-January, as part of the continuing consultations on the future of Hong Kong.
Mr Sacks suggests that we might say more publicly about the talks. While we understand the concern that underlies this suggestion, we do not believe that it would be helpful. By agreement between the two sides the content of the talks is confidential. The complex issues involved must be discussed calmly, constructively and without distraction. We believe that the best place to do so is at the conference table. 모
& will
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I am returning the
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enclosure to your letter.
howenen
The Rt Hon Cecil Parkinson MP
House of Commons
LONDON SWIA OAA
(68)