TNAG-1029-FCO40-1279-Visits-by-FCO-officials-to-Hong-Kong-1981 — Page 87

SECREI

For discussion

on 3rd Febuary 1981

XCS(81)1 6 Copy No

MEMORANDUM FOR EXECUTIVE COUNCIL

THE PROPOSED SITING OF THE REPLACEMENT HONG KONG INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT IN CHINA

Introduction

HKK

182/1

RECEIVED IN REGISTRY NO. 51

of 28

On 19th August 1980,0thЕbúðäll considered memorandum

XCC(80)101, a copy of which is

ege Eealing with suggestions that

had been floated to the effect the airport to replace Kai Tak might be sited in China. The record of on this memorandum

the Council's decisi is set out below:

11

It was noted that the inference from paragraph 3, that China had formally approached Hong Kong for a joint venture international airport in China, was not correct; the discussions between Vice-Premier Gu Mu and the Financial Secretary could not be taken as a formal approach by China either for China to be involved or for Hong Kong to locate its new airport in China.

Mr Bremridge suggested a further proposal to those in paragraph 12 by the addition of : (e) that China be invited to become involved in the project for an airport at Chek Lap Kok.

Sir S.Y. Chung stressed the importance of the political significance of a possible joint venture airport in China. He suggested approaching China now (as being politically the most opportune time)

for an airport to be located in China close to the HK/China border. Such an approach would afford an opportunity to ascertain China's views as to Hong Kong's future after 1997. He envisaged the airport as one in a project by project approach with China, thus establishing

confidence in Hong Kong's future.

(a)

It was the majority view:

that because of first the practical and other difficulties which would arise in relation to such matters as security, control, transport, convenience and air traffic rights (if a new airport was located in China); second of the delay which would arise from negotiations, investigations, selection of site and construction in China; and third of the risks attaching to a possible failure to reach agreement with China, the new international airport for Hong Kong should be constructed at Chek Lap Kok;

SECRET