TNAG-1256-FCO40-1589-Third-countries-and-the-future-of-Hong-Kong-1983 — Page 46

CONFIDENTIAL

OFFICIAL VISIT OF INDIAN MINISTER OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS,

MR NARASIMHA RAO : 1-4 NOVEMBER 1983

BRIEF NO 8B: FUTURE OF HONG KONG

ESSENTIAL FACTS

1. The Secretary of State is aware of the background.

2. The Indians have not so far shown any significant interest in developments over the future of Hong Kong, although Sir J Bullard discussed it briefly with Mr Rasgotra, the Indian Foreign Secretary (PUS equivalent) during his visit to New Delhi from 21 to 22

October.

3. On the Prime Minister's authority we keep only the Americans fully in the picture about Hong Kong's future, and, to a lesser extent, the Australians, Canadians and New Zealanders. If Mr Rao raises the subject the Secretary of State will therefore wish to discuss it only in general terms.

4.

1:

According to the 1981 census, 11,867 people of subcontinental origin were resident in Hong Kong. These include a number of prominent businessmen, notably the Harile la family. There is also an Indian Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong.

CONFIDENTIAL