NABAAQ
R0914
CONFIDENTIAL
Miss Marssen
Wool.
128
SECRETARY OF STATE'S VISIT TO WASHINGTON (AND NEW YORK):
MEETING WITH PRESIDENT BUSH, 11 SEPTEMBER
HONG KONG/CHINA/VIETNAMESE BOAT PEOPLE
Points to Make
CHINA
HKB 040 14
Recent political developments in China do not justify early
relaxation of Western measures. Would be misinterpreted by Chinese leaders and Western public opinion.
But pressure for general trade/economic sanctions must be
resisted.
HONG KONG
Confidence in Hong Kong still bruised.
China has primary responsibility for restoring confidence. Pressing Chinese to take concrete steps eg revising Basic Law.
Doing all we can to rebuild confidence: eg nationality package, Bill of Rights, review of democratisation programme.
Look to United States and other friends for support. Substantial US economic stake in Hong Kong.
—
United States could help by
-
encouraging continued US trade and investment;
publicly stating willingness to help in worst case scenario;
supporting Hong Kong's participation in international economic
organisations eg Asia/Pacific Economic Forum.
CONFIDENTIAL