TNAG-1252-FCO40-1585-Third-countries-and-the-future-of-Hong-Kong-1983 — Page 88

Mr Donald

Private Secretary

Secr

cc: Mr Thomson, FED

Mr Flower, PUSD

SECRET UK EYES A

Issue

принто

Sevet, A State

- никонов

3 MAR 1983

by ICM 1214

FUTURE OF HONG KONG: BRIEFING THE AUSTRALIANS PRIOR TO PREMIER ZHAO'S VISIT TO AUSTRALIA

FLAG A

98

1.

I attach a draft letter to No 10 about briefing the

Australians on Hong Kong's future in advance of Premier Zhao's

visit there in April.

2.

(a)

(b)

In Canberra telno 151, Sir John Mason expressed the view

that the Australians would welcome an up-to-date briefing

on the situation (with certain limitations);

that we should not go too far but that there would be no harm in asking them to make a few very general points

to Premier Zhao.

3.

It is our intention to brief Sir A Duff within the next

week or so before he leaves the UK and to send a telegram to Sir John authorising him to speak at his discretion either to Mr Hayden or to senior officials in the DFA.

4.

PUSD, FED and SPD agree.

28 March 1983

9

Ship

R D Clift

Hong Kong and General Department

also agree. But I have amended

the draft slightly. (Clean draft attached)

SECRET UK EYES A

Aktuald

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