TNAG-1254-FCO40-1587-Third-countries-and-the-future-of-Hong-Kong-1983 — Page 12

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interference, at present provided by British

administrative link.

On sovereignty, Chinese and British positions well-known. We fully realise importance of sovereignty issue to

China. We are not inflexible. Are willing to consider any solution acceptable to Britain, China and Hong Kong.

Background. NOT FOR USE

2. The Prime Minister is aware of the background to the Future of

Hong Kong.

3. Unlike the Americans, the Canadians have not been kept

regularly abreast of developments in our talks with the Chinese.

However the Prime Minister has now agreed that they should be taken

more fully into our confidence at a high level. Her meeting with Mr

Trudeau provides an opportunity for a further briefing.

4. The Chinese Foreign Minister will be visiting Canada early in

October and this may provide an occasion for the Canadians to make

some helpful points. The Canadians have been showing greater interest in Hong Kong's future and have passed us some useful

material of their own. During her stay in Canada, the Prime Minister will meet Mr Lougheed, the Premier of Alberta who will

recently have returned from visiting China and Hong Kong. The Canadian Department of External Affairs have included 'Hong Kong's future' in their briefing for Mr Trudeau.

Foreign and Commonwealth Office

14 September 1983

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