SECRET
VISIT BY MR LUCE TO SINGAPORE: 24 SEPTEMBER 1983
File
343
POSSIBLE CALL ON LEE KUAN YEW
FUTURE OF HONG KONG
MKK040/5
RECSIVED IN REGISTHY
3 SEP 1033
BRIEF NO 4
Whu 1a-ན; Baiv4བཅུá-a*--
REGISTRY
12. LIF
POINTS TO MAKE
CM16/10
1. Our talks with the Chinese moved into second more detailed phase in July. Three meetings held July/August. Next meeting 22/23 September.
2. Atmosphere friendly, but Chinese line increasingly tough,
especially on inseparability of sovereignty and administration.
Their propaganda implies we have already conceded sovereignty. We have conceded nothing.
3.
Chinese trying to convince Hong Kong people of the viability
of their Special Administrative Region idea, involving a more or
less autonomous Hong Kong on similar lines as now, but linked to
Peking instead of London. We and most Hong Kong people sceptical.
No guarantees that Peking would not interfere. We believe the
insulation currently provided by British administrative link
sustains confidence and is in Hong Kong's best interests.
4.
Chinese find it hard to accept that we take no revenue from
Hong Kong and have no ulterior motive in seeking to continue this
link. It is what most Hong Kong people want and we aim to seek
a settlement which will be acceptable to them, not just to Britain
and China.
How can we get the Chinese to understand this? hear your views.
5.
SOUTH EAST ASIAN DEPARTMENT
16 SEPTEMBER 1983
-1- SECRET
Interested to
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