TNAG-0943-FCO40-1162-Future-of-Hong-Kong-1980 — Page 76

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RECORD OF A MEETING BETWEEN HE THE GOVERNOR AND MR LIAO CHENGZHI AT 2 BARKER ROAD, HONG KONG, AT 10.30 AM ON 13 JUNE 1980

Present:

Mr Liao Chengzhi

Mr Wang Kuang

Mr Li Jusheng

Mr Zheng Weirung

(Mr Liao's secretary)

Mrs Liao Chengzhi

Mr Li Ruohe

(Interpreter)

H E the Governor Political Adviser Mr Y P Cheng

(Interpreter)

1. After an initial exchange of courtesies in which Mr Liao thanked the Governor for all the arrangements made for him during his stay, the Governor asked Mr Liao how long it was since he had been in Hong Kong. Mr Liao said that it was over 30 years, although he had passed through on a number of occasions when visiting Japan. There had been great changes due to the efforts of the Governor.

2. The Governor remarked that it was the efforts of the people of Hong Kong which mattered, not his own. Fortunately, the world trade situation had been good for several years. Furthermore, good cooperation with the Government of China, as well as of course the UK, had been of great assistance to Hong Kong. He had made a point of paying attention to Hong Kong's relations with China and in particular with Guangdong. It was necessary to put behind us the events of the Cultural Revolution. The development of relations had gone well.

He saw the invitation for himself to visit Peking as putting the seal on the new improved relationship. Local relations with the NCNA were also very good. He hoped they would continue that way. In addition, a number of important Chinese leaders had visited Hong Kong, including the Minister for Foreign Trade, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, and Governor Xi of Guangdong. This meant that, if problems arose, they could be discussed quickly. The people of Hong Kong saw this

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