TNAG-1253-FCO40-1586-Third-countries-and-the-future-of-Hong-Kong-1983 — Page 179

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Miluft o-r This is

SE CRET

O.K. We have given tapus a trel to use with the Australian pus

i jure.

(59) 040/54

1.

*

MR O'NEILL

2. SIR A DUFF

470

2575-

24 May 1983

c W Morris Esq HKGD, FCO TW Savage Esq

CHINESE POLICY TOWARDS HONG KONG

1. As agreed, I asked Mr Gorman to call to bring him up to date on our

thinking on Hong Kong

Mr Gorman was aware of reports in the Hong Kong press of developments in the negotiations: I assured him that there was no

foundation in the reports that we had conceded on sovereignty, but did

not otherwise comment on the negotiations.

2. Mr Gorman took notes and was particularly interested in Chinese

views on timing. He said that Canberra were now more relaxed, and he

believed that they now believed that they were well-informed on our

views of the situation.

3. Mr Gorman asked if there was anything more they could pass us. I

said that we remained keen on the widest possible exchange

I mentioned that we would also welcome Australian views on the popular

mood and attitudes in Hong Kong. He said that the Australian consulate

in Hong Kong produced quite a lot of such material and he would see

whether some could be passed to us.

4. I will write to Mr Easey, after the paper on "The Threat to Hong Kong"

is finalised.

THIS IS A COPY

THE ORIGINAL HAS BEEN RETAINED IN THE DEPARTMENT UNDER

SECTION 3 (4) OF THE PUBLIC RECORDS ACT 1958

D. G. Martin

D G MARTIN

Ass Stult.

MKK040/5

- 6 JUN 1983.

}

SECRET

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