SECRET
LORD BELSTEAD'S MEETING WITH THE GOVERNOR OF HONG KONG : 11.30
ON 25 JANUARY 1983
POINTS TO MAKE
MOOD IN HONG KONG
1.
(a)
(b)
(c)
How is the current mood in Hong Kong developing among: the public? (What about pressure groups, eg Meeting Point?)*
businessmen and investors?
in EXCO and particularly UMELCO?
The Hang Seng Index seems to have picked up (closed at over
900 points on 20 January). Does this reflect less nervousness
about the future or is it due entirely to other factors?
CHINESE PROPAGANDA CAMPAIGN
2.
I see the Chinese are continuing their propaganda.
In particular Liao Chengzhi's remarks to the Factory Owners' Association and more recently to the New Territories delegation have been widely reported. Much of what he said was not new
but he appears to have told the latter that the talks have stalled. I understand a few in the delegation spoke in support of British administration when they saw Liao.
TALKS WITH CHINESE
3.
Thought Mr Jenkin's remarks to Vice Premier Wan Li were a
useful reminder of our concern over Chinese propaganda and the talks. HM Ambassador Peking will be meeting the new Vice Foreign Minister, Yao Guang, on Wednesday 26 January. We must see what the latter has to say.
If Yao's answer is helpful then the next step might be a presentation on Hong Kong to the Chinese, involving you. If
unhelpful we may need to consider a message from the Prime
Minister, a public statement by us or intermediaries. What do you think?
*
SECRET
See submission of 14 January attached
/LONGER
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