CONFIDENTIAL
CALL ON THE PRIME MINISTER BY THE PREMIER OF ONTARIO: 29 FEBRUARY
1984
FUTURE OF HONG KONG
HKко40/6
ACCEIVED IN POTHY
-7.3134
46
POINTS TO MAKE (DEFENSIVE)
1.
Di
INOL
PA
Action Tavan
Interested to now what impressions you gained when you visited Hong Kong last Autumn.
2.
Now nine rounds in second phase of talks. Latest 22/23
February. Useful and constructive. Next 16/17 March.
3.
Atmosphere good. Content confidential. Detailed discussion
on key aspects of Hong Kong's structures. Aiming to see ways in
which stability and prosperity might be preserved. Receptive to any proposals for arrangements-which would do this and be acceptable to Parliament, China and Hong Kong people.
4.
No overall timetable for talks. Right solution more
important.
by:
We believe stability/prosperity could best be assured
(a) continuity of systems;
(b)
minimal interference, as now.
5.
Good grounds for confidence in satisfactory conclusion.
Common aim. In no-one's interest to see collapse of Hong Kong. We
and Chinese seek negotiated settlement.
[FOR DEFENSIVE USE)
PROSO SPECULATION
6.
Much of this on course of talks, nature and likely timing of
agreement. Inappropriate to comment publicly. Getting on with talks as quickly as we can. Commonsense dictates early agreement
CONFIDENTIAL