TNAG-1243-FCO40-1557-Future-of-Hong-Kong-1983 — Page 95

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SUMMARY RECORD OF A MEETING ON THE FUTURE OF HONG KONG

BETWEEN MR LUCE AND FCO OFFICIALS

Mr Luce, Minister of State

Mr Giffard, DUS

Mr Donald, AUSS

Mr Clift, Head, HKD

Mr Thomson, FED

Mr Burrows, Legal Advisers

Mr Warren-Gash, PS/Mr Luce

Mr Hum, HKD

SEVENTH ROUND OF TALKS

9 DECEMBER 1983

PRESENT:

HKK040|1

ņ CH19/12

1. There was discussion of the seventh round of the talks on the future and of the assessment to be contained in the paper for OD (K). It was noted that the talks had been positive in some respects, but that the detail of the Chinese plans that had been revealed also contained a number of ominous elements, in particular the suggestion that there might be a Chinese garrison in Hong Kong after 1997. The reference of a Peking spokesman to the possibility that China might assert control earlier than 1997 was probably to be regarded as part of the Chinese "hot and cold" technique rather than a serious indication of Chinese intentions

It was agreed that a draft minute by the Secretary of State amended in the light of the discussion, would be submitted on 9 December.

SECRET

(770,