HKK040/1
RECEIVED IN REGISTRY
-
1 MAR 1984
DESK OFFICER
BACKGROUND NOTE ON THE FUTURE (OF HONG KONG
DISTRY
For fuken
Reg
(42)
AFB
28/2
p.a.pse
1.
The Prime Minister visited China and Hong Kong in
September 1982.
2.
During her visit to China, the first ever by a British
Prime Minister in office, one of the subjects discussed was Hong
Kong. The following statement was issued after a meeting
between Mrs Thatcher and Chairman Deng Xiaoping on 24 September:
3.
"Today the leaders of both countries held far-reaching
talks in a friendly atmosphere on the future of Hong
Kong. Both leaders made clear their respective positions
on this subject.
They agreed to enter talks through diplomatic channels
following the visit with the common aim of maintaining the stability and prosperity of Hong Kong".
Meetings in Peking to follow up the Prime Minister's
visit began soon afterwards and are continuing. On 1 July the
following statement was issued in Peking, London and Hong Kong:
4.
"Following the discussions between the leaders of the two
countries in September 1982 and subsequent useful
exchanges, it has been agreed that a second phase of the
talks on the future of Hong Kong will begin in Peking on
12 July 1983".
The ninth round of the second phase of talks took place in Peking on 22/23 February The following statement was issued there on 23 February.
"The Chinese and British sides continued their useful and
constructive talks on the Hong Kong question on 22 and 23 February in Peking. It was agreed that the tenth
round of talks would take place on 16 and 17 March
in Peking.