TNAG-0945-FCO40-1164-Future-of-Hong-Kong-1980 — Page 63

IC Orr Esq

Assistant Political Adviser

Government Secretariat

HONG KONG

CONFIDENTIAL

(142)

никона!

Y

RECEIVED CAY NO. 51 2 1 NOV 1980

3-233-4381

INDEX

REGISTRY

Action Take

€24.11. LA

HKK 040/1

21 November 1980

FUTURE OF HONG KONG

1. You will have seen the statements made to the Fai Po by a Chinese Government official implying acceptance of the Qing Dynasty treaties reported in the 'South China Morning Post' of the following day. (14 November).

It

2. I should welcome your interpretation and that of Peking, of the accuracy of these reports and of their significance. seems odd that the Chinese should seek to publicise in this way their intention to honour these treaties which they have previously held to be invalid. Is it to be seen as a further step in the development of their policy towards Hong Kong, or was the official concerned, Zhao Guanqi, misinterpreted?

3. Zhao is reported to be Director of the State Council's Bureau of Government Services Administration. Research Depart- ment have no trace of him, and he apparently has no Party clout. Perhaps Peking or James Yi of the PRU might have a clue to his standing.

cc:

FED

P Morrice

Hong Kong and General Department

Research Dept. (Far East) Chancery, Peking

CONFIDENTIAL