As
Classification
CONFIDENTIAL
OUT TELEGRAM (CONT)
Caveat
=
ecedence
IMMEDIATE
the administration of Hong Kong until 30 June 1997.
These considerations have been reflected in our discussions with
the Chinese over the airport. It is important that the Hong
Kong Government has the ability to manage the project
efficiently. The Chinese Government have concerns about the
effect of the project on the financial position of Hong Kong
after 1997: we have made proposals which should meet these
concerns. Our negotiators are currently in Peking for talks on
these matters.
I hope that in private contacts with the Chinese authorities
your Government will take the opportunity to emphasise to them
that the international community attach great importance to the
success of the Joint Declaration and to the maintenance of Hong
Kong's long-term prosperity and stability: and that investor
confidence in Hong Kong will be enhanced if Britain and China
can cooperate effectively to manage the transition to Chinese
sovereignty.
Hong Kong will be seriously affected if the United States does
not renew China's Most Favoured Nation Status. We have
therefore lobbied extensively in the United States in support of
renewal of that status because of Hong Kong.
I hope that the Singapore Government will lend its support to
these efforts, in the interests of Hong Kong's continuing
prosperity.
301
MESSAGE ENDS
2.
A signed original will not be sent.
For distribution order see Page
ented a UK HMSO: 1 De POCSETS M100 CON 55294
Catchword:
STOCK No. C037C
YFB7