From the Secretary of State
59
HAD
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
London SW1A 2AH
28 November, 1983
HKK040/13...
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Ди Dar Patrick
Thank you
you for your letter of 9 November about a letter
on Hong Kong's future from one of your constituents, Captain
Hale.
Negotiations are taking place at present between the British and Chinese Governments over Hong Kong's future, with the common aim of maintaining the territory's stability and prosperity. HMG's approach is to seek a solution that is
acceptable not only to the British and Chinese Governments, but also to the people of Hong Kong.
You mentioned Chinese propaganda. The British and Chinese Governments have agreed that the content of the talks is confidential. This has not of course prevented stories and statements on China's position from circulating, giving rise to a good deal of speculation and uncertainty in Hong Kong. However, we firmly believe that it is what is said in
the talks that counts and that their outcome should not be
prejudged by anything said outside them. We are naturally
very much alive to Hong Kong's concerns about what the future
holds. We are doing our very best for the people there.
GEOFFREY HOWE
Patrick McNair-Wilson Esq MP
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