TNAG-1239-FCO40-1552-Future-of-Hong-Kong-1983 — Page 96

BACKGROUND

Ale.

MICKCOGO/L

040/1

419

RECEIVEL

BRIEFING NOTE ON THE FUTURE OF HONG KONG

1.

і icmaslo

The Prime Minister visited China and Hong Kong in

September 1982.

2.

During her visit to China, the first ever by a British Prime Minister in office, one of the subjects discussed was Hong

Kong. The following statement was issued after a meeting

between Mrs Thatcher and Chairman Deng Xiaoping on 24 September:

3.

"Today the leaders of both countries held far-reaching

talks in a friendly atmosphere on the future of Hong Kong. Both leaders made clear their respective positions

on this subject.

They agreed to enter talks through diplomatic channels

following the visit with the common aim of maintaining

the stability and prosperity of Hong Kong".

Meetings in Peking to follow up the Prime Minister's

visit began soon afterwards and are continuing. On 1 July the

following statement was issued in Peking, London and Hong Kong:

4.

"Following the discussions between the leaders of the two

countries in September 1982 and subsequent useful

exchanges, it has been agreed that a second phase of the

talks on the future of Hong Kong will begin in Peking on

12 July 1983".

As part of the second phase, talks were held in Peking on

12/13 July and again on 25/6 July. The following statement was

issued there on 26 July:

"The two sides have had two more useful days of talks. They will meet again in Peking to resume these talks on

2/3 August after which there will be a recess of some

weeks. Talks will recommence in September."