SECRET
BRIEF FOR MEETING OF OD(K), 3 MAY 1984
FUTURE OF HONG KONG
POINTS TO MAKE
Visits to China and Hong Kong
1.
Talks in Peking
Assessment of visit already circulated. useful. Able to conduct business with Chinese leaders. Believe
they want agreement.
But much hard negotiation ahead. Important to
maintain momentum. Chinese tendency, visible at 13th round, to try
to claw back ground.
2. Unveiling statement in Hong Kong necessary part of process of consultation. Important to assess public mood while negotiations still in progress.
3.
Important discussion with EXCO. flexibility in negotiations to them. but reserve right to reject package.
Explained need for
They accepted this reluctantly
Believe we must try to keep
EXCO with us but important to retain freedom of manoeuvre. Handling
will need careful coordination with Governor.
Draft Agreement
Redacted under FOI exemption section 27(1)
SECRET