CALL ON LORD BELSTEAD BY LORD SHEPHERD : 15.00 HOURS ON
22 DECEMBER 1982
POINTS TO MAKE
Introduction
1.
Glad to see you again.
Have you been to Hong Kong or
If so, interested to
China since I saw you in early October?
hear your impressions.
Visit to Hong Kong
2.
Visited Hong Kong myself 6 to 10 December. Extremely valuable to see the place, to hear views of many people there
and to discuss with Governor and HMA Peking. Of course, Hong
Kong's future dominated. Pleased to find business confidence
still high but people's current concern understandable.
very useful sessions with EXCO and UMELCO.
Had
Talks with China
3.
These have begun through diplomatic channels in Peking.
Complex issues. Wrong to rush. Changes in Chinese MFA have
Zhang is
caused a pause [Foreign Minister Huang Hua has been replaced as
has Vice Minister Zhang who was HMA's interlocutor.
going to Washington as Ambassador.] We fully expect meetings to
continue soon.
4.
Well aware of current Chinese propaganda campaign. Aimed at reassuring Hong Kong people that they have nothing to fear
from autonomous, capitalist Hong Kong under China. Many people in Hong Kong rightly not taken in by this, given China's recent turbulent history and lack of experience in running capitalist or free trade economy.
known to the Chinese.
which counts.
Hong Kong people should make their views
Meanwhile it is what is said in the talks
/Use
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