TNAG-0848-FCO40-1058-Future-of-Hong-Kong-New-Territories-leases-1979 — Page 39

SECRET

16. On 15 June 1976 in the course of lengthy and informal conversations

in Guangzhou between the Political-Adviser in Hong Kong and Fu Fen, the

head of a department with responsibility for Hong Kong affairs in the

Guangzhou Foreign Affairs bureau, the latter raised the subject of repre-

sentation in Hong Kong. However, Fu seemed intent on seeking clarifica-

tion of the British view rather than in pressing the case.

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17.

The question has been allowed to rest for some considerable time.

This is no doubt at least partly because of Chinese recognition that NCNA

in Hong Kong gradually has become a representative office of the CPG in

every respect but title. The question of official representation thus ceased to be a topic for ministerial exchanges. However, some remarks, by

the Assistant Foreign Minister, Song Zhiguang, on the occasion of Foreign Minister Huang Hua's visit to London in October 1978, showed that there

was some continuing interest in the subject. Speaking about moves to

further improve co-operation and goodwill between China and Hong Kong,

Song Said that his Ministry was considering a proposal that the repre-

sentative of NCNA might carry out some of the duties which, the CPG had

previously requested for a diplomatic representative.

18. Huang Hua's comments to the Governor of Hong Kong on 29 March mark

the first approach at such a level since 1976 and indicate the somewhat

surprising and continuing Chinese interest in the appointment of an

official representative in Hong Kong.