CANADA
PROTECTED PROTÉCIÉ
2,
PRIME MINISTER PREMIER MINISTRE
OTTAWA, K1A OA2
September 24, 1991
Dear John,
Thank you very much for your letter providing your personal assessment of your trip to Hong Kong and Peking.
When I visited Hong Kong in May, I took the opportunity to stress publicly the importance I attach to Hong Kong remaining stable, prosperous and free after 1997. It is a message I will continue to make. Canada has a significant stake in the future of Hong Kong.
I am encouraged by your impressions of China. I think that you are right that we must remind the Chinese frequently of our expectations of them regarding human rights. I was pleased to learn that you pursued this matter so vigorously and in such detail with Li Peng.
I very much want to see the United Nations General Assembly adopting a resolution following up on our last G-7 meeting regarding the establishment of a global arms transfer registry. To succeed, such a registry must have the support and participation of the Chinese. Li Peng's attitude with respect to this issue seems to be encouraging.
The Right Honourable John Major
Prime Minister of the United Kingdom
10 Downing Street
London, England