TNAG-0948-FCO40-1167-Effect-of-nuclear-exports-to-China-on-Hong-Kong-Guangdong-nu-1980 — Page 100

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6.

DTIC said that in addition to specific projects, an area where the Chinese authorities seemed to be much in need of overseas expertise was in consultancy on development plans. Mr. McLaren agreed, but doubted that they would readily accept the idea, despite their obvious lack of expertise in this area.

7.

Sir Peter asked about the political implications for Hong Kong of rapid economic development in contiguous parts of China. He appreciated it might take pressure off immigration but asked if it might not in time facilitate the re-assimilation of Hong Kong into China. H.E. responded that the consequences were unpredictable. He recalled that Vice Premier Deng Xiaoping had personally made reassuring statements to him regarding the security of investments in Hong Kong and had specifically requested assistance in the development of Guangzhou. Whatever the possible consequences, however, H.E. said it was inconceivable that Hong Kong could adopt other than a positive attitude toward co-operation in the economic development of adjacent areas of South China.

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(W. Dorward) DTIC 8.4.80

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file (CR L/M 1/80 to CR 6/6201/69)

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