TNAG-1240-FCO40-1553-Future-of-Hong-Kong-1983 — Page 117

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CONFIDENTIAL

DSR 11C

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BACKGROUND AND ARGUMENT

3.

The Chinese Ambassador has invited Lord Rhodes to

visit China. He proposes to do so early in October,

stopping over in Hong Kong, for 2 days en route. The main

purpose of Lord Rhodes' visit is to improve Sino-British

relations, but he has indicated that he also proposes to

raise the future of Hong Kong in his talks with Chinee

leaders. In this connection, Mr Luce has twice provided

Lord Rhodes with appropriately general "Points to Make".

We have recently learnt however that Lord Rhodes has a

'personal solution' to the Hong Kong question and that he

has so informed Chinese contacts. We should not wish

this or any other 'solution' to be aired during Lord

Rhodes visit to China, on which Mr Goodlad, Lady

Llewelyn-Davies and Miss Frances Wood of the British

wton. Lad Rhodes prophies should

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Museum are scheduled to accompany him.

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4. Hong Kong telno 1187 express reservations about the

Car Sa proposed timing of Lord Rhodes' visit, soon after the

next round of Sino-British talks on Hong Kong, to be held

in Peking on 22-23 September. We share Hong Kong's view

that it may be impracticable to persuade Lord Rhodes to

alter essentially private arrangements and to travel to

China at another time. Nevertheless we agree with Hong

Kong and with Peking (Peking telno 788) that we should

try to discourage him whilst there from canvassing

"solutions" to Hong Kong's future, even on a personal

basis. Moreover, in view of Mr Goodlad's position as

Government Whip with Foreign Affairs responsibilities, we dr

dont think it appropriate for him to be a member of Lord

hal

CONFIDENTIAL