SECRET
FUTURE OF HONG KONG : BRIEFING OPPOSITION LEADERS : MR STEEL/DR OWEN
POINTS TO MAKE
1.
2.
Francis Pym discussed with you in May. Useful to update.
Confidentiality.
1
3. Prime Minister's China visit September
Common aim. HMG's aim.
Talks agreed.
34.
Talks. Initially slow.
We found way of circumventing obstacle
of Chinese insistence on prior recognition of their sovereignty
premise.
45.
We conceded nothing. Parliament alone can decide. Stressed
need for arrangements after 1997, acceptable to Parliament, China
and Hong Kong. Flexible approach.
56.
17
Second phase of talks. Began July. Five meetings so far. Next
14/15 November.
J
67.
Delegations.
on British side.
Composition. Governor of Hong Kong participating
78. Atmosphere friendly. Chinese tough on substance. Demand
sovereignty and say sovereignty/administration indivisible.
Reiterate SAR plan for Hong Kong.
q
89. SAR plan. Most Hong Kong people sceptical. Insufficient
guarantees against PRC interference.
10.
July/September meetings. We attempted to educate Chinese on
Hong Kong's complexities. Chinese suspicious.
10.
October meeting. Headway. We proposed, without prejudice to
our position, discussion of practical measures to ensure
stability/prosperity.
This amokÜ
Initially well-received, but Chinese have
SECRET
O