TNAG-1158-FCO40-1438-Visit-by-Margaret-Thatcher--UK-Prime-Minister--to-Hong-Kong--1982 — Page 122

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4th March 1982 (b)

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The Rt. Hon. Humphrey Atkins, MP, Lord Privy Seal,

Foreign & Commonwealth Office, Downing Street,

London, SW1A 2AL.

on Jianpiney,

Jeen

When you spoke to the Hong Kong Group you mentioned your discussions in China on the colony's future and the extent to which the Chinese seemed as anxious as we are to maintain confidence there and you seemed satisfied that arrangements for its future would be reached with the Chinese though nothing definite could be expected for some time.

I think I should tell you that the messages I am getting from the business community in Hong Kong are that they are anticipating a fairly firm indication of the colony's future when the Prime Minister pays her visit in the autumn and the most pessimistic construction is likely to be put on the absence of specific assurances, with the consequent lowering of confidence. I realise the difficulties but thought I should acquaint you with the situation.

I might add that I was concerned to hear that, in the course of a private conversation, a Liberal peer with an interest in Hong Kong had expressed the view that the Conservative Government is not interested in Hong Kong or its future as there are no votes at issue an impression which I am sure you are as anxious as I am to dispel.

Kaga