TNAG-1251-FCO40-1584-Third-countries-and-the-future-of-Hong-Kong-1983 — Page 105

Foreign and Commonwealth (

London SW1A 2AH

6

Dear John,

HIKO 401 0401

1 O JAN 1983

DESK OFFICES INDEX

PA

*CIOA

7 January 1983

Future of Hong Kong: Dr Henry Kissinger

HAK040/4

Willie. Rickett wrote to Roger Bone on 31 December 1982 about Dr Kissinger's letter of 20 December 1982 to the Prime Minister, which was forwarded by Sir John Thomson.

наконен 238

1982

239

1982

HITH 040/4

Sir John Thomson has told us that, after he had forwarded the letter, Dr Kissinger rang him again to say that:

a.

b.

the reference in his letter to informal talks was intended by the Chinese Ambassador to refer to talks with non-official British;

the Chinese Ambassador had hinted that an appropriate person in this category might be Lord Carrington.

1982.

Sir John Thomson has commented that Dr Kissinger does not visualise himself as an unofficial or informal link. He would of course be glad to pass on any message if required, but did not recommend it.

It is useful to have this indication of the Chinese views. Clearly the time is not ripe to consider making use of a non- official emissary, but we may need to have a number of options available later on.

I enclose a draft reply.

***

Yours eve

(J E Holmes) Private Secreta

for Homes

A J Coles Esq

10 Downing Street

SECRET

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