TNAG-1254-FCO40-1587-Third-countries-and-the-future-of-Hong-Kong-1983 — Page 115

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BACKGROUND AND ARGUMENT

3.

The draft letter to No 10 is largely self-explanatory. We have had difficulties with the Australian Foreign Minister, Mr Hayden,

but for the reasons given in the draft, I believe that it would be

wrong to discontinue briefing the Australians altogether. Both the

New Zealanders and the Canadians are showing increasing interest in

Hong Kong's future and could become disgruntled if we continue to

leave them in the dark. All three governments may find themselves

able to make helpful points to the Chinese as and when opportunities present themselves. Although we do not need their active support now, it may be necessary to ask their help later, eg in providing

backing for and promoting confidence in a likely settlement. may be an opportunity for the Secretary of State to see the Australian Foreign Minister in New York later this month, while Mr

Whitney's forthcoming visit to Australia and New Zealand may also provide an opportunity for further briefing at a high level. The Canadians could be briefed at a high level either here or in Ottawa.

They already pass us some material of their own

some material of their own on Hong Kong at this

end.

There

4. We have also considered whether to extend the net further and

brief more fully other members of the European Community the Japanese and certain ASEAN countries.

However, apart from the Japanese, who have been given general briefing, little serious interest has been shown so far by any of of the others. For the time being therefore we do not see advantage in briefing any of these countries in detail, although we should not lose sight of this possibility, particularly if our approach in the talks with the Chinese were to change or if talks were to break down.

5 September 1983

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RD Clift

Hong Kong Department

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The