TNAG-1158-FCO40-1438-Visit-by-Margaret-Thatcher--UK-Prime-Minister--to-Hong-Kong--1982 — Page 69

CHINA

A

i)

SECRET

DSR 11C

BRITISH OBJECTIVES VIS A VIS HONG KONG'S FUTURE

To reach a publishable agreement with the Chinese

that the common objective of both sides is to

maintain the prosperity of Hong Kong and that formal

discussions will begin soon on the Territory's

future, taking into account the respective positions

of the British and Chinese Governments.

B

CHINESE OBJECTIVES VIS A VIS HONG KONG'S FUTURE

i)

To make clear that while China does not want to

upset Hong Kong's prosperity or stability, she

nonetheless regards the whole Territory as coming

under Chinese sovereignty and will wish to exercise

this sovereignty at least over the New Territories

when the New Territories Lease expires in 1997.

HONG KONG

BRITISH OBJECTIVES

A

i)

To reassure the people of Hong Kong that HMG's

commitment is as strong, as ever.

ii)

iii)

To confirm that the common objective of the UK

and China is to maintain Hong Kong's prosperity and

stability.

[Depending on the results of the China visit]

To confirm that in discussion with the Chinese on

Hong Kong's future the interests of the people of

Hong Kong will be taken into account.

SECRET

/B