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3345
DR WILSON'S PRESS BRIEFING ON PRIME MINISTER'S VISIT TO PEKING AND
HONG KONG : 1515 HOURS, 14 DECEMBER
FUTURE OF HONG KONG
POINTS TO MAKE
PEKING
HUK 040/57
KECEIVEI
REGISTHY 17 DEC 1984
DESK OFFICER
INDEX
REGISTRY
PA
Action Taken
m
1. Purpose of visit:
-
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Signature of Hong Kong a reement.
Hong Kong will be centre stage throughout.
Purpose of visit in part symbolic. Signature of two Prime
Ministers on agreement will give highest level of political commitment to its implementation. This is particularly important for Hong Kong opinion.
2.
Importance of visit:
Prime Minister's visit two years ago opened negotiations.
secret that there was sharp divergence of view when talks began. But through hard bargaining and ingenuity differences were
overcome. Process begun by Prime Minister led us to satisfactory
agreement.
No
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3.
Makes opportunity for still better and more substantial relations
with China, beneficial for Hong Kong and Britain.
a whole.
Agreement not just important for Britain but for West as
Helps to reinforce China's opening towards the West in political
and economic dialogue. Important that it works if open door is
to remain open.
Discussions in Peking. Cannot tell you at this stage whom she
will meet:
Cannot reveal agenda, but Prime Minister will no doubt record
satisfaction of agreement as conclusion of two years of hard negotiations. Will emphasise our commitment to implement action
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