TNAG-0933-FCO40-1152-Relations-between-Hong-Kong-and-Macau-1980 — Page 4

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was not affected by the establishment of diplomatic relations with China.

Thus, we were led to believe that Portugal had conceded no more than that

contained in their statement in January 1975 which recognised Taiwan (but not Macau) as part of China. The 1975 statement merely said that

the status of Macau might be the subject of negotiations between China and

Portugal when both governments thought the time opportune.

4. I am not sure whether my reporting of Col. Maia's comment has clarified or confused an already murky history (as your files will show).

However, there are very important implications for Hong Kong in all of this and I should be grateful therefore if you could a) confirm the gist of Col. Maia's statement and b) check whether you have corroborating

evidence for the substance of his comments.

Your ever

c.c.

P J Williamson Esq, HKGD

AR Paul Esq, FED

RN Pearce, Peking

RR Reeve Esa, BTC, HK

:

(P I Webb)

APA2

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