TNAG-1251-FCO40-1584-Third-countries-and-the-future-of-Hong-Kong-1983 — Page 67

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and social systems in China and those in force in Hong Kong and found it hard to believe that the Chinese would not interfere in Hong Kong if it became a Special Admini- strative Region. I said that the Prime Minister had identified a key point: while some people were attracted by the idea of "Hong Kong people running Hong Kong" which was now being floated by the Chinese, many others did not believe that it could work, precisely because there would be no guarantee against interference. On the other hand, the Chinese had always behaved very cautiously over Hong Kong, and, as the Foreign Minister had said, they had a very strong interest in securing a settlement which would enable Hong Kong to continue on present lines. Since this was also what Britain and the people of Hong Kong wanted it ought to be possible to arrive at an agreement satisfactory to all.

CC

K FX Burns Esq, SEAD, FCO A White Esq, KUALA LUMPUR A C Galsworthy Esq, PEKING

Yours ever,

Rozmi

(R JT McLaren)

CONFIDENTIAL