TNAG-1038-FCO40-1288-Future-of-Hong-Kong-1981 — Page 168

ADDITIONAL NOTES FOR SUPPLEMENTARIES

FUTURE OF HONG KONG (Desirability of an explicit understanding)

1. It would not be helpful to try to rush the Chinese Government

into an explicit understanding about what happens after 1997. We

have their strong assurances on investments in Hong Kong; in the

meantime the Territory prospers.

¡ VIETNAMESE REFUGEES

i

2.

When a British ship rescues refugees at sea, we consider the

i need to issue guarantees of resettlement to the countries where

they are landed on a case by case basis.

CASTLE PEAK 'B' POWER STATION

3. This order is a major success for British industry in

cooperation with the Government. It is worth about £550 million.

It will provide between 5,000 and 7,000 jobs over the next 7 years,

many of them in the assisted areas. We congratulate all those

connected with the project and hope that other United Kingdom

firms will take full advantage of the opportunities available

in Hong Kong.

RENEGOTIATION OF THE MULTI-FIBRE ARRANGEMENT

4. We are aware of the importance of trade in textiles and

clothing for Hong Kong's economy. The Territory has always

been efficient in implementing the Bilateral Agreement with

the European Community concluded under the Multi-Fibre Arrangement.

It is, however, too early to speculate on its future.

Hong Kong's

case will be carefully considered together with those of all other

interested parties.