TNAG-1156-FCO40-1436-Visits-by-FCO-Ministers-to-Hong-Kong-1982 — Page 184

FCO40 Hong Kong Department Records 聯邦事務部香港部檔案 All

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in the Guangdong area in the 1960's: relations in general, and economic and trade relations, had improved greatly since then.

6.

Premier Zhao referred to the decision by the Hong Kong industrialist, Mr. Gordon Wu, to invest in Guangdong Province. He thought that this was one of the questions Sir Murray MacLehose had discussed during his recent visit to the SEZ, but he had not yet had a detailed report. He understood there had been discussions about frontier formalities, and mentioned that Mr. Wu planned to bring electric trains from Hong Kong to Shenzhen, to which place the Customs post would have to be moved from Lo Wu.

7.

Premier Zhao said that many landowners in Hong Kong were concerned about the future. Lord Carrington had raised this when he met Vice Chairman Deng Xiaoping in April last year. Premier Zhao said the Chinese had not studied this question in any very concrete way but he believed the British side was well aware of the Chinese side's general stand, namely that (i) China would safeguard her sovereignty, and (ii) the prosperity of Hong Kong would be maintained. Hong Kong was now a free port, and a centre of trade and finance. These aspects would not be changed: Hong Kong's prosperity could only be maintained if it was a centre of trade and a free port. As to the approach to . a settlement of the issue, and its possible forms, very careful studies would be taken. At an appropriate time China would discuss the problem with the "various circles" in Hong Kong and all the parties concerned and take heed of their views.

8.

Premier Zhao said that in September 1981, Ye Jianying had set out a 9-point plan concerning the reunification of China with Taiwan. From the 9-point proposal, circles in Hong Kong, as well as the British Government, could get some idea of Chinese thinking. The policies now being implemented in the special economic zones were also relevant. With reference to an eventual settlement, Chinese policies would be "very reasonable".

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Premier Zhao

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