Possible EC status
CONFIDENTIAL
4.
In negotiations for Portugal's accession to the EC, Portuguese will have to make known what status if any they want
for Macao. Have not yet revealed their thinking. Chinese will
have a view.
5.
Hong Kong has no special status vis-à-vis the EC.
Treated
as normal third country. They have already made clear to
Ministers that they would object most strongly to advantages for
Macao which did not apply to Hong Kong.
These could affect, eg
student fees, trade (preferential treatment of commodities produced in the EC), right of abode and work.
6. As likelihood of discussions with China over Hong Kong draws
nearer need to be more careful than ever to avoid upsetting Hong
Kong. Given our uncertainty over Macao's relationship with
Portugal and China, difficult to assess Chinese attitude.
CONFIDENTIAL
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