TNAG-1239-FCO40-1552-Future-of-Hong-Kong-1983 — Page 14

2418

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Mr. Wye prepong (a)hy I Sept

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mi rytinis c/r. O mentett every the either of one or in

hand-bis must dismes pay

Mr Thomson/Cox)

Mr Hoare

Mr Morris

FUTURE OF HONG KONG

1.

Bth to me 3/8

SECRET

MKK040!!

JECEIVED IN REGISTRY

Separate copés

•23/8.

STRY

won Taken

Reference..

Этом

r

Enter

pu. & Mrs Prist

(93)

by CA consider whether anything

is outstanding 211/s

The following are points I should like to cover at this afternoon's meeting:

ат

(a)

(b)

WM.

RDC

(c)

Paper on changes from present administration. far.

Progress so

Clearance with Hong Kong and Peking. Submission to

Ministers.

Overall strategy paper. This would be prepared for use at the beginning of September by Ministers in discussion with Governor and Ambassador. Would cover paper on changes and consider options for the autumn. Would probably also cover;

Paper on alternative ''insulators'' for Hong Kong. This would consider whether guarantees could be found apart from the British constitutional link.

Chinese organisation and personnel dealing with future. There have been recent

reports on this.

(d)

Κω

Should we do a short submission?

(e)

WM

RED ĥ Amb.

(f)

ROM

тр

(g)

WM

(h)

Definition of British aims for Hong Kong and presentation to China. Ambassador and Governor are trying to nail the Chinese assertion that we are in Hong Kong for the money. The Chinese may find it difficult to accept that we are being wholly altruistic. Do we need a short paper showing that we have hard political reasons for meeting our obligations to Hong Kong? Should this be put over in Peking? Can we do more through other channels, eg through Chinese Embassy?

We

Briefing of other Governments. We need to take stock of where we stand with the Americans and Australians and decide whether more things to be done. Should we reconsider our policy of saying practically nothing to anyone else? may need other governments later, eg in contributing to

''alternative insulators''. Should we recommend that they are brought in more?

Сть

Briefing of backbenchers.

Mr Luce has spoken to Sir P Blaker and small group. Is more needed? What about discussion with HKGO of invitations to MPs?

Briefing of Opposition. Labour Party briefing held up because of Election. Should we get something in before recess? Can we afford to wait till Labour Party leadership sorted out?

Staffing, leave and division of work during August.

Possible JIC assessments.

(i)

WM ti disc Ass Staff

(j)

CODE 18.77 25 July 1983

THIS IS A COPY in

THE ORIGINAL HAS BEEN RETAINED

IN THE DEPARTMENT UNDER

SECTION 3 (4) SEGRET

PUBLIC RECORDS ACT 1958

R D Clift