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41
FROM:
A M LAYDEN
DATE:
HONG KONG DEPARTMENT
19th January 1987
SECRETARY OF STATE'S DINNER WITH THE CHINESE AMBASSADOR, 20 JANUARY:
HONG KONG
1.
There are two Hong Kong related points which I think it would
be useful for the Secretary of State to make to the Chinese
Ambassador if an opportunity arises at his dinner on 20 January.
**
Appointment of new Governor of Hong Kong
Have received message from your Foreign Minister welcoming
appointment. Have noted also statement on similar lines by MFA
spokesman. Glad to note this positive reaction. Have no doubt that he will do excellent job in guiding Hong Kong through years
ahead.
Resignation of Hu Yaobang: Hong Kong reactions
Reaction in Hong Kong to the resignation has been mixed: calm on
the whole, but some signs of jitters. Statements by Zhao Ziyang
stressing that China's internal and external policies would not
be affected and that reform would continue have been widely
reported. Reassuring statements by Ambassador Ke Zaishuo and by
Mao Junnian in Hong Kong very useful also.
You will have seen that the new Governor, responding to
questions at his press conferences on 16 January, stressed the
importance of the Joint Declaration and made it clear he did not
believe China's policies towards Hong Kong would change. Hong
Kong people will, however, need continued reassurance about
this. Hope Chinese Government will bear this in mind.
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Kayd
A M LAYDEN