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HOUSE OF COMMONS FOREIGN AFFAIRS DEBATE
FUTURE OF HONG KONG:
22 MARCH:
ADDITIONAL NOTES FOR SUPPLEMENTARIES
SECRETARY OF STATE'S VISIT TO PEKING
No precise dates yet. Will have
15. Agreement on visit mid-April. talks on Hong Kong with Chinese Foreign Minister and other Chinese
leaders. Look forward to visit.
WHY VISIT NOW?
16
Easter recess provides timely opportunity to review Hong Kong
talks personally with my Chinese counterpart.
that this would be useful.
Both sides are agreed
AGREEMENT/CRUCIAL DEVELOPMENT IMMINENT?
17.
My
Inappropriate to divulge details of negotiations. Can say only
that talks proceeding in good atmosphere and making progress.
aim is to further that end, on basis of good relations between
Britain and China.
WILL FINAL AGREEMENT BE DISCUSSED/TABLED DURING VISIT?
18. Inappropriate to divulge talks. Both sides have agreed on need
for confidentiality. Must respect.
ANY CRISIS/DEADLOCK/IMPENDING BREAKDOWN IN TALKS?
19. No. Successive rounds of talks described by both sides as
"us
useful and constructive". Such terms clearly not descriptive of
crisis/deadlock. Talks proceeding in friendly atmosphere. Progress
being made.
HONG KONG VISIT
20.
Looking forward to this. Excellent opportunity to get first-hand view of Hong Kong and listen to a wide range of opinion
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