TNAG-1255-FCO40-1588-Third-countries-and-the-future-of-Hong-Kong-1983 — Page 143

VLJANITEVZEMANZI

MR WHITNEY'S VISIT TO NEW ZEALAND AND AUSTRALIA

FUTURE OF HONG KONG

ADDITIONAL LINE TO TAKE

1. The following joint statement was issued in Peking on 23

September:

"The British and Chinese sides held further talks on

the question of Hong Kong on 22 and 23 September and

the fifth round will be held in Peking on 19 and 20

October. "T

2. The Chinese line in the talks remains tough but through the

talks we shall continue to press on them the need to work out a

sensible solution. Chinese propaganda, which has recently

increased sharply, is clearly intended to influence or position.

It has hit confidence in Hong Kong badly. But we continue to

maintain that it is the talks, not what is said outside, which

count.