TNAG-1037-FCO40-1287-Future-of-Hong-Kong-1981 — Page 23

DSR 11C

Draft Brief

SECRET

SECRETARY OF STATE'S BBC EXTERNAL SERVICES INTERVIEW:

FUTURE OF HONG KONG,

the Chinese

I should start by stressing that the British commitment

to Hong Kong remains as strong as ever. At the same time,

leaders have made clear that they share our

interest in the prosperity and stability of the Territory.

Relations between us over Hong Kong are at present

excellent, probably better than ever before. Within this

framework we shall naturally review any practical questions

which may affect the relationship with Hong Kong [eg

immigration, the Guangdong Nuclear Project] and obviously,

if the opportunity comes up during my discussions with

Chinese leaders, I shall be glad to hear their views on

ways in which prosperity and confidence in Hong Kong can

be maintained and strengthened.

[If pressed on whether there will be talks about the

long-term future] :

20

I do not expect this matter to come up. In any case,

the crux of the matter is our mutual interest in maintaining

the economic growth and industrial development in Hong Kong.

[If pressed on land lease question] :

3༠

It would be a mistake to focus on a single item of

this sort. Our mutual interests in Hong Kong cover a

far wider range of interests.

[Questions on whether confidence in Hong Kong is ebbing

because of the Lease] :

4.

Major

Confidence in Hong Kong at present is high. One only

hus to look at the remarkable figures of consistently high

economic growth over the past few years to see this.

elements in this confidence are the policies now being

adopted in China and our own excellent relations with the

Chinese Government.

SECRET

89220 Dd 532113 2001 2/79 SIS