TNAG-1237-FCO40-1550-Future-of-Hong-Kong-1983 — Page 104

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THE ORIGINAL HAS BEEN

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6 YEARS UNDER FOI EXEMPTION No... 40, 2138

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and said that the Chinese were being very secretive about the visit,

asking him not to tell anyone else about it. They also told him about the Prime Minister's message, describing its contents in general terms. In these circumstances, we have stressed to Mr Miller, not only the importance of his not appearing to be an intermediary, but also the need, if the Chinese discuss the message, to stress the Parliamentary limitations on HMG's freedom of action. Mr Miller understands these points well. Given the Chinese attitudes to the visit he does not intend to call on Sir P Cradock in Peking, although he might change his mind about this depending on circumstances.

Visit of Mr Edward Heath MP to Hong Kong and Peking

5.

This is firming up for the end of May/beginning of June. We shall be submitting on the manner and content of briefing. Clearly this could be a very important event, particularly given the timing.

Visit of Lord Shawcross to Peking

6.

Lord Shawcross, accompanied by Miss Claire Hollingworth, will be visiting Peking from 6 May. The Secretary of State has agreed to see him before he goes.

Visit of EXCO Unofficials to London

7.

The Governor has suggested that he should bring all the EXCO Unofficials to London, probably before June. We have consulted Number 10. The Prime Minister has agreed to the idea of a visit in principle but does not wish to decide on the timing now. Depending on the reply to her message and other factors it might well slip into June.

Private Visit by Sir S Y Chung to London

8.

Sir S Y Chung will be in London from 2. 5 May to receive honorary distinctions from the engineering profession. The Secretary of State has agreed to see him. We suggest that Lord Belstead should also do so he may wish to consider a small lunch. The Prime Minister has been informed and agreed that a call by Sir S Y on her should be kept in reserve.

Possible Visit to China by

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The Governor is pressing for included in the British team for a presentation to the Chinese on how Hong Kong works, if substantive talks get under way.

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