TNAG-1251-FCO40-1584-Third-countries-and-the-future-of-Hong-Kong-1983 — Page 24

6.

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would clearly wish to avoid prejudicing the former

by the way in which they handled the latter.

Concluding, the Political Adviser said that although there were differences to be reconciled, there were good reasons for expecting that a solution would be found which would be acceptable both to the UK and Chinese governments and to the people of Hong

Kong.

7. In response to a number of specific questions put by Congressman Addabbo and his colleagues, the Political Adviser made

the following points:

a)

When the appropriate time came the Governor of Hong Kong would join the talks and so represent the views

of the people in Hong Kong.

b) No rent was paid to the Chinese government under the

terms of the present 1898 lease agreement.

c)

d)

e)

·

It was unlikely that any solution would entail an extension of the lease on the New Territories.

There were no useful analogies between the positions of Hong Kong and Macau. In the Portuguese Constitution Macau was simply described as a territory administered by Portugal; by implication (but only by implication)

Macau was Chinese territory.

Local residents and foreign businessmen would no doubt continue to make known their views on the future of

Hong Kong. There were a variety of ways in which they

could do this.

f) The present talks with the Chinese would continue for sometime. It was very difficult to predict when they might reach a conclusion. When there was something to say, it would be announced officially. In the meantime, the Government would continue to display its confidence

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