TNAG-1233-FCO40-1546-Future-of-Hong-Kong-1983 — Page 107

PRIVATE AND CONFIDENTIAL

Kinh phải đang ng dusune 5-249221

Fler 79427

The Rt. Hon. Margaret Thatcher, MP

Prime Minister

10 Downing Street

London SW1

ENGLAND

Dear Mrs. Thatcher,

December 31, 1982

R31

See

13

1

1) It gives me much pleasure to report that the work we have done over the past three years in connection with the proposal that a nuclear power station be built in Guangdong Province to provide electricity to Hong Kong and that Province has not been in vain.

2)

Besides its potential value to UK industry, the importance of this project lies in its ability to create and preserve bonds of friendship between the UK, Hong Kong and Chinese Governments by the transfer of technology so essential to the fulfilment of China's Four Modernizations Programme.

3)

It has now been announced that the PRC have given definite approval for the project to proceed. Of course, this is but the beginning but it augurs well for that good understanding that is so necessary to the maintenance of Hong Kong's prosperity and its function as the free zone of China under British Management.

4)

Today, we are at a cross-roads where opinions must be sought and views expressed by the people of Hong Kong, yet at the same time confidentiality is essential to those responsible for negotiating our future. In these circumstances, I feel diffident in expressing an opinion but, perhaps, being nearly as old as the New Territories' lease itself, you will excuse my doing so.

5)

There is a body of opinion here who believe that those in Peking would prefer not to have to take definite decisions as to Hong Kong's future, always provided sufficient 'face' was given to China by the abrogation of the so-called unequal treaties.

6)

There is also a strong feeling within certain sections of the Hong Kong Community that the UK would not be sorry to wash their hands of this, their last remaining Colony, thus leaving decisions in the hands of others.

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