TNAG-1253-FCO40-1586-Third-countries-and-the-future-of-Hong-Kong-1983 — Page 192

CODE 18-77

SECRET

Reference

154A

Melift

Mr Morris o.r.

HKK040/5

HELGIVED IN REGISTAT 25 NOV 1983

DEBK OFFICER

INDEX

PA

KEMISTRY

aken

HONG KONG'S FUTURE

CHOS!!!

You will wish to see the attached document produced by the Australian Office of National Assessments.

1.

2.

The Australian view of the Hong Kong problem seems to me generally accurate. I think you need read only the summary (pages (i)~(iv)).

3.

On item viii (page ii) I had understood our position to be that although we wished to conclude talks with the Chinese as quickly as possible (and recognised that the next two years would be crucial in this context) we regarded a satisfactory outcome as much more important than questions of timing.

4. You will see from item (x) (page iii) that the Australians clearly believe us to have little option but to concede China's claim to sovereignty over Hong Kong if substantive talks about the future are to get off the ground.

Angolries

JSC Priest (Mrs)

2 June 1983

Enter & pa

22/11

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