TNAG-0944-FCO40-1163-Future-of-Hong-Kong-1980 — Page 59

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SECRETARY OF STATE'S VISIT TO CHINA: FUTURE OF HONG KONG...

1. In his submission below, Mr Clift proposes the lines on which we should brief the Secretary of State on the future of Hong Kong before his visit to China. The final brief will of course include background, but will be less bulky.

2.

It Far Eastern Department agree with the proposed line. follows close consultation with the Governor of Hong Kong and HM Ambassador Peking.

3. Much depends, of course, on whether the Chinese will wish at this stage to discuss the future of Hong Kong seriously, either in its short term or long term aspects. Our aims are:-

(1)

(ii)

4.

To keep the Chinese focussed on the problem of maintaining confidence in Hong Kong and specifically to make them understand the problem over land leases;

If we can, to get a further extension of Deng Xiaoping's

of last year;

assurance

(iii) If the Chinese show any disposition to move forward

constructively, to offer talks at the official level on the question of leases; this can be done in slow time if we follow the Governor's suggestion or faster through discussion by officials during the Secretary of State's visit. Although the supplementary brief covers the problem of what to say to the press, and is fine as far as it goes, I think the main Not only is brief may require a further sentence in paragraph 2. it a question of the Chinese saying something publicly or confi- dentially to intending investors but the Secretary of State must make it clear that he will have a problem with the journalists who

I suggest accompany him on the visit and with the Hong Kong press.

we add a sentence to paragraph 2 of the first brief on the following lines: "In any case, her Ior the Governor of Hong Kong will have to make some public comment for the press about our discussion on Hong Kong.

5.

Subject to this I agree with the submission.

Arztmald

9 September 1980

HWOT

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