TNAG-1037-FCO40-1287-Future-of-Hong-Kong-1981 — Page 20

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(63)

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SECRET

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201

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Mr Donald

Sir E oude

Li

AUCK ouchi

RECEIVED IN REGISTRY NO. 51

2 & MAR 1981

REGISTRY

SECRETARY OF STATE'S BBC EXTERNAL SERVICES INTERVIEW Action Taken FUTURE OF HONG KONG

INDEX

Awadh

Wish to

1. I attach a submission on this subject. see with it our exchange of telegrams with Hong Kong and Peking (FCO telegram No 249 to Hong Kong, Hong Kong telegram No 301 to FCO and Peking telegram No 193 to FCO).

2.

The formula which we put to the posts suggested rather less than a total negative about the prospect of talks with the Chinese on the long-term future. This gave the Governor considerable difficulty. Peking have not dissented from his

view.

3. I think we should try to meet Sir M MacLehose on this. Although we do intend that the Secretary of State should raise the question of how to preserve confidence in Hong Kong with the Chinese, we are not asking them to discuss the long- term future. Although that subject might conceivably come up the possibility is remote. The importance of avoiding speculation about a 'sell-out' is so great that we need to play this particular issue very cautiously.

4. The other amendments suggested by the Governor seem sensible and I have included them in the formula.

23 March 1981

cc Mr McLaren, FED

R D Clift

m

Hong Kong and General Department

Perhaps

we could discuss this problem? interest because of my

I have an briefing of the pren

qftte

Art24/3

Mr Dexald

A

25 March.

Artmall

We discursed, & agreed

SECRET that the H.K formula

2373

could aland

5/22/3