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B QUESTIONS LIKELY TO ARISE AT PRESS CONFERENCE
1.
FUTURE OF HONG KONG
Meetings
Meetings in Peking to follow up the Prime Minister's visit have begun through diplomatic channels.
Timetable for talks
I cannot make any useful forecast of how long the talks will
take. The issues are complex. It is more important to find the
right solution than to rush matters unduly.
Progress Reports on Talks
For reasons that will be obvious to you the contents of the
talks must necessarily remain confidential. That does not rule
out an agreed statement, during the talks, if there is anything
particular to report.
Is there a hold-up and if so why?
These meetings are being conducted through diplomatic channels.
There is currently a pause but you will know that there has been
a substantial readjustment of personnel connected with the
Chinese Foreign Ministry and the appointment of a new Minister for Foreign Affairs (we expect to resume very soon).
Even so, there has been a long period without significant
activity. Why?
Mrs Thatcher made it clear that the discussions would take some
time. Do not mistake lack of bulletins for inaction.
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