TNAG-1240-FCO40-1553-Future-of-Hong-Kong-1983 — Page 8

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FROM: R D CLIFT, HKD DATE: 26 AUGUST 1983

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FUTURE OF HONG KONG: VISIT OF LORD RHODES TO HONG KONG AND CHINA

1. I have submitted separately on this. I mentioned that the Hong Kong Commissioner had been told by Lord Rhodes that the latter did not intend to raise the future of Hong Kong with the Chinese. I gather that Sir J Cater had a fairly strong go at Lord Rhodes at lunch on 25 August, as a result of which Lord Rhodes appeared to be in a more reasonable mood. He claims to be going to China primarily to discuss commercial questions, particularly textiles and to understand the need for discretion on Hong Kong. However, as I said in my submission, I would not be too optimistic that this mood would last once he got into meetings with the Chinese. They took the initiative in inviting him to China, they know that he is interested in the subject of Hong Kong and I would expect them to bring the matter up and to encourage him to put forward his ideas.

2. Besides his plan to take Mr Goodlad and possibly Mr Renton, Lord Rhodes will be accompanied by Lady Llewlyn-Davies and possibly by Mr Francis Wood. I am sure that Lady Llewlyn-Davies will exercise a sensible influence on him.

3. The latest dates for the visit are to leave the UK on

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1 October, spend 2-4 October in Hong Kong and from 4 to about 12 October in China with a visit to Peking, a boat trip on the ,and visits to the Special Economic Zones near Hong Kong and possibly Macau.

4. Lord Rhodes' idea is apparently not to call on anyone official in Hong Kong. His aim is to try to be helpful and to avoid the impression that the visit has official backing. That may or may not be a good idea. It might look a little odd if someone of Lord Rhodes' eminence was not seen by the Governor. I suggest that we might take the opportunity to discuss the question of the visit with the Governor next week.

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26 Augsut 1983

Copied to John Molmes, Private Office

HKK 040/1

RECEIVED IN REGISTRY

9 SEP 1983

ANGISTAN

Action Taser.

KSJ

CONFIDENTIAL

R D Clift

Hong Kong Department

See 492