Sir P Cradock
SECRET
SUBMISSION
50
HKIL 04c17
FROM:
A C GALSWORTHY, HKD
DATE:
11 September 1984
MKKO 40/17
Private Secretary
FUTURE OF HONG KONG : OD(K) 12 SEPTEMBER
1. I submit speaking notes for the Secretary of State's use at OD (K) on 12 September on:
State of the negotiations (this will need to be filled in
tomorrow morning, when we have seen Wu's response).
-
White paper
Pensions
2. On pensions, we understand that the Treasury have briefed their
Ministers to oppose Hong Kong's preferred formulation for the
statement to members of the public service. Their argument is that the word "responsibilities" is too wide-ranging and would imply that HMG would accept contingent liability in the event of default. We disagree. The proposed answers for supplementaries make it clear that it would be for a future Government to decide what the position should be. This point is covered in the points to make. We understand on the other hand that Lord Whitelaw has indicated that
he agrees with the recommendation.
11 September 1984
SECRET
не
Jegiaey
A C Galsworthy
Hong Kong Department