PTAADF
CONFIDENTIAL
SECRETARY OF STATE'S VISIT TO SWITZERLAND:
HONG KONG
RF
file
2HUCB 027/1
MARCH 1988
16 MAR 1988
66
VES
Objections
1.
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To indicate that Sino-British cooperation on Hong Kong is
proceeding well, and to emphasise that international expressions of
Support
sympathy are helpful for confidence.
2. To ask the Swiss to make a new commitment for resettlement of
Vietnamese refugees from Hong Kong.
Points to Make
1.
Liaison with Chinese over Hong Kong going well at all levels.
Recently met Wu Xueqian in London. Good understanding with him constructive dialogue on constitutional development in Hong Kong,
and other issues.
2.
Hong Kong economy performing very well. Growth last year 13.5%. Confidence remarkably good, but still fragile. International expressions of support always helpful. Strength of Hong Kong economy important in underpinning current optimistic mood in territory. Switzerland is important European economic partner.
3.
Welcome signature of separate Hong Kong/Switzerland Air
Services Agreement.
Arrivals up
4. Hong Kong's refugee problem is getting worse. resettlement down. Our own resettlement effort considerable: 13,000
since 1975. Resettlement of a further 468 announced last year.
Gesture of solidarity by Swiss by offering to take some more in 1988
would be most welcome.
CONFIDENTIAL