TNAG-1253-FCO40-1586-Third-countries-and-the-future-of-Hong-Kong-1983 — Page 149

A

B

C

Mr Donald

SECRET

THIS IS A COPY FROM:

THE ORIGINAL HAS BEEN RETAINED IN THE DEPARTMENT UNDER SECTION 3 (4) OF THE PUBLIC RECORDS ACT 1958

Private Secretary issunt

cc PS/Mr Luce

PS/PUS

Mr Giffard

Mr Wright HD/PUSD

Mr Thomson FED

Mr White SPD

Mr Flower PUSD

Mr Martin, Assessments Staff

DATE:

W MORRIS, HKD

17 June 1983

Sewety of State

HKK 040/5

RECEIVED IN REGISTRY

2 1 JUN 1933

DESK OFFICER TROEX

169

FUTURE OF HONG KONG: BRIEFING THE AUSTRALIANS

PROBLEM

copied to HICK 026/8.

Should we brief Mr Hayden, the Australian Foreign Minister, on the future of HongKong in connection with his visit to Hong Kong in early July?

1.

RECOMMENDATION

I recommend that we should continue to brief the Australians on the political net, on lines similar to those approved already for use with the Americans, and to keep them generally up to date.

2.

BACKGROUND AND ARGUMENT

3.

For some time now we have been keeping the Americans up to date

In respect of the Australians however, briefing has been more limited

because initially the Prime Minister was worried about security. However, the Prime Minister gave authority for our High Commissioner in Canberra to bring Mr Hayden and the Australian Prime Minister more fully into the picture, prior to the visit to Australia in April of the Chinese Premier. (Our telno 121 and Canberra telno 188 refer). In addition, with Mr Pym's authority, Mr Donald gave a personal briefing to the Australian High Commissioner in London in February. We know that the Australians continue to take a considerable interest in Hong Kong's future.

They have sizeable investments there, a growing relationship with the Chinese Government and a particular interest in stability in the area.

D'

It is now confirmed that Mr Hayden will visit Hong Kong from 3 to 5 July (Hong Kong telno 816 refers). The purpose of the visit is to discuss Hong Kong's future and regional economic prospects.

4.

/It

SECRET