TNAG-0848-FCO40-1058-Future-of-Hong-Kong-New-Territories-leases-1979 — Page 108

SECRET

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NEW TERRITORIES LEASES

1. In his telegram No 374, Sir Murray MacLehose expressed concern about the tone of paragraph 3 of FCO telegram 13 Saving authorising him to sound out the Chinese about the New Territories leases during his forthcoming visit to China. The passages which worry him are, I think, the statement (paragraph 3) that "I certainly intend to take matters further during my own visit to Peking", together with the last two sentences of paragraph 2. The wording is the Secretary of State's.

2. The Governor argues that the leases issue should be played very cautiously;

that we should not count on quick progress;

The

and that it would be counter-productive to force the pace. Mr Cradock agrees (his message of 16 March) and so do I. Governor's views are very much in line with the advice in my submission of 2 March (see in particular paragraphs 7 and 9) which also set out the background to the problem.

3. The Governor is also concerned about press briefing, and Mr Cradock has drawn attention in this context to the LPS piece

Secretary of State March.

about the/visit issued on

passage in question is sidelined.

This is attached;

the

It had been agreed that News

Department might say that "Hong Kong issues will certainly be discussed" and that they might give immigration as an example if asked.

The phrase "the need to maintain the stability and prosperity of Hong Kong will be very much in Dr Owen's mind" was only to be used if the spokesman was asked whether the future of Hong Kong would be raised. The linking of these points in the LPS piece was unfortunate, particularly since they follow the statement that "Dr Owen will be concentrating on political issues". But as far as I know no harm has been done.

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5. I submit a self-explanatory draft reply to the Governor's telegram. The PUS may wish discuss it with the Private Secretary.

to

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THE ORIGINAL HAS BEEN RETAINED

16 March 1979 Copies to:

Mr Murray

IN THE DEPARTMENT UNDER

SECTION 3 (4) OF THE PUBLIC RECORDS ACT 1958

Mr Samuel, FED Mr Whyte, News Dept

SECRET

Rafanghen

R JT McLaren

Hong Kong and General Department