TNAG-1169-FCO40-1449-Future-of-Hong-Kong-1982 — Page 106

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The Rt Hon Humphrey Atkins MP Lord Privy Seal

Foreign & Commonwealth Office Downing Street

London SW1A 2AL

Jan Hanthey

سل اتهام

National Bus Company

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25 New Street Square London EC4A 3AP Telephone 01-583 9177 Telex 27442

NATIONAL

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Mr Cox

PSILDS

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This is really all for HKGD. Will they put up a draft reply?

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from The Rt Hon Lord Shepherd PC Chairman

29 March 1982

I have just returned from Hongkong where I had a series of meetings with some of my Hongkong Chinese business friends.

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In regard to the suggestion of a Symphony Orchestra to be in Peking to coincide with the Prime Minister's visit, I had a telephone call from the political advisor to the effect that, because of shortage of accommodation, there is an agreement which limits the number of events and that the British quota is fully taken. I have advised my friends accordingly.

You will remember I spoke in regard to the financial confidence in Hongkong. I came away with a clear impression that confidence that could be related to the future of Hongkong is, without doubt, more brittle than it was some 6 months ago.

I took up your points regarding the Prime Minister's visit and also visits of Ministers and Officials to the PRC and the question of expectation of a statement in regard to the future of Hongkong. I have an undertaking that they will do their best to hold back expectations but I am quite convinced, and I think that I should stress to you the importance that I would attach through official channels in view of the importance of the Prime Minister's visit, whether the PRC would feel themselves able to make a more implicit statement in regard to investors in Hongkong than they have done so in the past to which the Prime Minister herself could respond. I think for the Prime Minister to leave China without some reference to Hongkong, and one of assurance, would undoubtedly increase the real concern that I found in various quarters.

My own Chairman is visiting the PRC in early April and he will be meeting the Prime Minister and various Vice-Ministers (incidentally when we will be signing a contract for a major office development in Shanghai) in which he will seek to probe the various individuals solely as an investor in China to ascertain whether there is any firm thinking on how the problem of Hongkong should be resolved.

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