TNAG-1256-FCO40-1589-Third-countries-and-the-future-of-Hong-Kong-1983 — Page 169

I must say that even if the facts were clearer, I do

not at present see scope for public comment or

representations to the Chinese Government by Her

Majesty's Government. Apart from other considerations,

such intervention would almost certainly be ineffective

and, particularly in view of the Chinese Government's

historic suspicions of British interests in Tibet,

it might even be counter-productive.

It would not be either proper or practical for me to

seek to encourage the media to report news of

developments in Tibet in any particular way.

of course rely on the objectivity of the BBC's

External Services.

We can

As for Hong Kong, as you know the confidential Sino-

British talks which are taking place in Peking have

the common aim of maintaining Hong Kong's stability

and prosperity. This basis for the talks gives grounds

for confidence that a satisfactory negotiated

settlement can be reached.