TNAG-0938-FCO40-1157-Visit-of-John-Nott--Secretary-of-State-for-Trade--to-Hong-Ko-1980 — Page 222

CONFIDENTIAL

Brief No 2

VISIT TO HONG KONG BY SECRETARY OF STAT FOR TRADE:

26-30 JANUARY 1980

BRIEF NO 2: POLITICAL BRIEF

LINE TO TAKE

Anglo/Hong Kong Relations (also for use at Press Conference)

1. Great admiration for Hong Kong which we regard as a success

story. We have a special responsibility towards the territory

and will do all we can to promote its interests.

2.

Hong Kong/China Relations (also for use at Press Conference)

Relations with China over Hong Kong are excellent. China

shares our interest in the territory's stability and prosperity.

This was clearly shown by the assurances given to the Governor

by Vice Premier Deng Xiaoping in March and by the Chinese Foreign

Minister in London in November.

Future of Hong Kong (defensive)

3. The Chinese have made it clear that it is still too soon to

consider Hong Kong's future in any detail. The subject was touched

on in general terms during the Chinese Prime Minister's visit to

London last November, and we have agreed to keep in contact. The

important thing is that Britain and China have a mutual interest

in maintaining Hong Kong's stability and prosperity.

Immigration from China to Hong Kong (also for use at Press Conference)

4.

Seriously concerned over continuing high level of immigrants

from China. Premier Hua Guofeng assured the Prime Minister that

now measures would be taken to control the flow of illegal immiges le

We hope that these will soon begin to take effect.

CONFIDENTIAT,

/Vietnamese