TNAG-1252-FCO40-1585-Third-countries-and-the-future-of-Hong-Kong-1983 — Page 75

SECRET

Issue pase

MKK 040/5

+

12 APR 1983

NO. 31

Mr Donald

Private Secretary

cc: PS/Lord Belstead

PS/PUS

Mr Giffard

108

FLAG A

(99)

ARY

on Talen

*CHIOA

FUTURE OF HONG KONG: VIEWS OF SINGAPORE PRIME MINISTER

1. I attach a copy of Hong Kong telegram number reporting the Governor's conversation with Lee Kuan Yew on 23 March on the future of Hong Kong. Because of the request in the last paragraph of the telegram this has not been given a full future of Hong Kong distribution.

2. Lee Kuan Yew's views are very sensible. He sums up very well Hong Kong's requirement the continuation of the ''insulator'' of British administration and China's need for a forthcoming British position on sovereignty.

3. Although a fuller account is promised by bag, I suggest that the Prime Minister should be told of Lee Kuan Yew's views right away. I submit a draft letter.

30 March 1983

R D Clift

Hong Kong and General Department

I

appee

that we should pan

on Lee's

vrein at ance

to No 10, and wit the

draft. It speaks for itself

Astrald

373

SECRET