•
*
SECRET
9.
- 4
Premier Zhao said that Vice Premier Ji Pengfei had told Mr. Atkins something about the Chinese stand on this issue
the previous day. He said that what he himself had said, together with what Mr. Ji had said, represented China's general stand: there was as yet no specific formula. But Zhao Ziyang assured the Lord Privy Seal that the problem would not be put
on the shelf until 1997. At an appropriate time, the Chinese
side would discuss it with the various circles in Hong Kong,
and with the British side.
10.
That was all he could say at present.
The Lord Privy Seal thanked the Premier. He was not suggesting that the problem must be solved immediately. But years were passing and the problem had become a subject of discussion and commentary in Hong Kong, especially in the
business community. It was in everyone's interest that Hong
Kong should prosper by continuing to be a free trading port, and a financial and commercial centre. He repeated that the problem was not an immediate one, but, as he had told Vice Premier Ji on 5 January, there wa
there was the absolute certainty that
in 1997 the legal basis would come to an abrupt end.
This was
ndeed something the British and Chinese Governments needed to
study.
•
11.
Premier Zhao agreed that the matter was very important. He suggested that, until a concrete formula had been worked out, neither side should do anything that could harm the prosperity
of Hong Kong.
12.
The Lord Privy Seal said he entirely agreed. In fact,
the actions the two sides took should bolster confidence. The
two countries had a common interest in promoting confidence in Hong Kong, and helping to increase it.
13.
Premier Zhao repeated that he had not yet had a detailed report on Sir Murray MacLehose's talks in Guangdong, but he had heard that the Governor had said that he would encourage more
/Hong Kong capital
SECRET
No comments yet.
Private notes are available after approval.