CONFIDENTIAL
Chinese had been left in no doubt about HMG's responsibility to Parliament over a matter of this sort.
3. Lord Rhodes asked for details of our negotiating strengths. Clift said there appeared to be two principal ones: Hong Kong's economic value to China and China's professed desire to reach a negotiated settlement on Hong Kong.
4.
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Mr
Lord Rhodes asked if there was one basic message which Mr Clift would like to give the delegation. Mr Clift again underlined the delicacy of the negotiations and stressed the consequent need not to raise this subject in China. The Chinese were apt to confuse views expressed by prominent UK personalities with an official British Government position.
Hong Kong Department
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3 October 1983
CONFIDENTIAL
Page 75Page 76
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