3.
described by both sides as useful and constructive.
The eleventh will take
place on 26/27 March. In each round the friendship which exists between
China and Britain has been a real plus point. It has meant that the talks
have gone ahead in a useful and constructive manner. But even so the risk
to
] [G
[
of mutual misunderstanding persists. Great patience is going to be needed by both sides so that we reach an agreement which is satisfactory to all
involved. Our determination to press ahead and to reach that goal is
undiminished. I can give this assurance: we are receptive to any proposals
for Hong Kong's future which would ensure continuing stability and
prosperity and be acceptable to Parliament, the Chinese Government and the
people of Hong Kong.
11. We are getting on with the talks as quickly as we can, but cannot
predict precisely how long they will take. We are making a particular
point of keeping in close touch with Hong Kong opinion, notably through the
Governor and through his Executive Council. Mr Luce paid another very
useful visit to the territory between 25 and 28 February, when he met again
representatives of a wide range of local opinion. These, amongst others,
5