TNAG-1223-FCO40-1533-Relations-between-Hong-Kong-and-Macau-1983 — Page 38

ANNEX A

(First draft: subject to amendment) -

SECOET

The "Instrument" on Sino-Luso diplomatic relation was signed in Paris in February 1979. The Official notice would have been made public some 5 years earlier.

While both China and Portugal seemed interested in concluding the negotiations, China meanwhile suggested that the "Instrument" could only be finalised after Portugal had fulfilled certain conditions.

These conditions included clarification of policy on "dicolonization" (without mention of names and places) and Portugal's role in the international chess game after 25th April, 1974 (the day of the revolution in Portugal).

It is noteworthy that Portugal made a declaration

through its Foreign Office on the 6th January, 1975 in which it stated that the democratic Portugal would have good relations

with all the countries in the world, in particular China. It further

That

also stated that as far as Portugal was concerned, Beijin was the only China recognised by Portugal. Taiwan (Formosa) was an integral part of China's Popular Republic (PRC). That Macao could likewise be so considered upon negotiations at an opportuned moment through the respective Governments. Portugal would continue to take full responsibility in safeguad- ing the rights and interests of the Chinese residents of Macao.

This was to be a top secret paper. But instead, it was published in all newspapers so that the Chinese people could learn of it and ponder over.

One week thereafter, on the 13th January, 1975, the Chinese Government reacted and a spokesman for the Chinese Foreign Affairs said that Beijin was considering sympathetically the Portuguese declaration; the statement over Taiwan was satisfactory but there remained a difference between the two Governments over Macao. This was made known to the Portuguese through the newspapers and telegrammes from Beijin via the France-Presse.

This was an important factor because when talks resumed in 1978, the Chinese asked for reassurance that Portugal remained commited to the January 6th declaration, and that there was no change of heart due to a different Cabinet in Lisbon.

While there were no special nor direct instructions from Lisbon concerning China, the Portuguese Embassy in Paris became the important meeting place for representatives of both China and Portugal.

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THE ORIGINAL HAS BEEN

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40 YEARS UNDER FOI

EXEMPTION NO...40 (2) 41,38