TNAG-1257-FCO40-1590-Third-countries-and-the-future-of-Hong-Kong-1983 — Page 10

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THIS DOCUMENT IS THE PROPERTY OF HER BRITANNIC MAJESTY'S GOVERNMENT

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PMVE (83) C5

3 NOVEMBER 1983

COPY NO 16

COMMONWEALTH HEADS OF GOVERNMENT MEETING, NEW DELHI

23-29 NOVEMBER 1983

HONG KONG

Brief by Foreign and Commonwealth Office

UK OBJECTIVE

1. To give, if the subject is raised, a general outline of our

talks with the Chinese Government on the future of Hong Kong.

POINTS TO MAKE (DEFENSIVE)

2.

In Bilaterals with Australians, Canadians and New Zealanders ONLY

Keeping your government informed. Fifth round in second

phase of talks 19/20 October. Described by both sides as

useful and constructive. We proposed discussion of practical

measures to maintain Hong Kong's stability and prosperity on

basis of China's plan for Hong Kong as Special Administrative

Region (SAR) of China but without prejudice to our own position.

Well received. Expect more detailed discussions on this basis.

At subsequent meeting 14/15 November we aimed to concentrate on

areas where most common ground likely, eg Hong Kong's legal and financial systems. Also informal contacts between negotiators.

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