NABAAK
CONFIDENTIAL
SECRETARY OF STATE'S VISIT TO WASHINGTON (AND NEW YORK) MEET ING
WITH PRESIDENT BUSH, 11 SEPTEMBER
HONG KONG/CHINA/VIETNAMESE BOAT PEOPLE
Points to Make
CHINA
Political developments in China since June do not justify an
early relaxation of Western measures. Signs are, on the contrary,
that repression is tightening.
Chinese leaders doubtless waiting for cracks to appear in Western
unity. Would send the wrong signals, and be misunderstood by Western public opinion if Western measures relaxed too soon.
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On the other hand pressure for general trade/economic sanctions
must be resisted. General sanctions would be harmful to Chinese
people. And would be immensely damaging to Hong Kong.
HONG KONG
Confidence in Hong Kong still bruised. Doing all we can to rebuild confidence and demonstrate continuing British commitment to
Hong Kong.
Measures include review of programme for democratisation; introduction of Bill of Rights; and package on nationality designed to give assurances to key personnel to encourage them to stay in
Hong Kong.
Look to United States and our other friends in international community for support. United States has substantial economic stake in Hong Kong's continued prosperity. Stable, confident Hong Kong very much in US interests both for its own sake and as gateway to most dynamic and prosperous part of China.
CONFIDENTIAL