TNAG-1236-FCO40-1549-Future-of-Hong-Kong-1983 — Page 25

Prime Minister Singapore

24 January 1983

unaccustomed modesty!

Dear Sir Edivard

In the past decade I have visited Hongkong almost yearly in early spring to feel the mood of the bankers and traders and to exchange views with your predecessor Murray MacLehose. I wanted to call on you during a proposed private visit from 22 to 24 March.

I am told you have offered me the hospitality of Fanling Lodge. I accept with much pleasure. Furthermore, I was delighted that you propose to come to the Fanling Lodge for dinner - a most agreeable arrangement. My wife and I look forward to meeting Lady Youde and you.

I have followed the developments over

Hongkong's future since Mrs Thatcher's visit to Beijing. Earlier in June, last year, Percy Cradock had come through Singapore on his way home on leave. We were contemporaries at Cambridge. He gave me intimation of the possible difficulties. Then in London in mid-July, Mrs Thatcher told me the Chinese Charge d'Affaires, at a pre-visit dinner discussion, had taken a strong position which ignored differences between the new territories and the island itself. Despite these signals, I was surprised by the strong public delineation of Beijing's position on sovereignty over Hongkong. It shows how little I understand the thinking of the rulers in Beijing.

I look forward to our meeting in March.

Your Surly Lutwy

His Excellency Sir Edward Youde, KCMG, MBE

Governor of Hongkong

Government House

Hongkong