of tension and violence in the region. It will take
time for confidence to be established but we
encouraged that a start has been made.
My hope is that in time a decline in violence and
instability in the region will persuade the South.
African government of the need for more enlightened
policies at home. But until that happens, we shall
maintain our firm stance against South Africa's racial
policies and the oppression associated with them. We
have expressed our views clearly and the South African
Government is well aware of what we think. We deplore
the enforced removal of people from their land and the
distress this causes. And we have made clear our wish
to see all political prisoners in South Africa
released.
[Response to any points raised on issues in the Third
World and on Falklands.]
Hong Kong
Finally, I would like to bring your Lordships up to
date on the negotiations on the future of Hong Kong.
Our confidential talks with the Chinese Government
are continuing through diplomatic channels in Peking.
Nine rounds have now been held in the second, more
detailed, phase of the talks which began last July.
6