TNAG-0743-FCO40-947-Relations-between-China-and-Hong-Kong-1978 — Page 5

CODE

18-77

Mr Quantrill

CONFIDENTIAL

Reference...... HKK 020/1

1. I refer to your note under my minute. Unfortunately, for very understandable reasons, I was not able to get a view on this quickly from FED.

2. FED are not happy with my suggestion and I understand Mr Masefield has discussed it with Mr McLaren. Although Mr Fursland has asked that his comment be ignored, it does contain the useful confirmation from Research Department that this point has not arisen before.

3. I understand that Mr McLaren suggested that we do a suitable form of words and you may therefore wish to consult him. My main concern is that I am sure the Chinese do not want a confrontation over this but I am equally sure they cannot withdraw their statement.

26 February 1979

Jwikiamson

P J Williamson

Hong Kong and General Department

We should use the form of words quoted by A Webb of Research Deportment. The Thinese Statement is of course, vez, uncl the standard one that they have been using at least ince the statement to the UN Committee of 24 on 8 March 1972. My understanding is that we do not automatically challenge the statement every time it is made; but if ushed about it, rather than openly challenge it, we simply state or understanding of the position. We cetamly do not

free dispute the basic Chinese contention that it was wrong as a "country": for the UPU to have referred to Hong Kong

W. 4.27/2

CONFIDENTIAL