TNAG-1257-FCO40-1590-Third-countries-and-the-future-of-Hong-Kong-1983 — Page 189

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

PMVE (83) C5

2 NOVEMBER 1983

COPY NO

COMMONWEALTH HEADS OF GOVERNMENT MEETING, NEW DELHI

23-29 NOVEMBER 1983

HONG KONG

BRIEF BY FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH OFFICE

UK OBJECTIVE (IF THIS SUBJECT IS RAISED)

To give a general outline of our talks with the Chinese Government on the future of Hong Kong.

POINTS TO MAKE (DEFENSIVE)

1. A IN BILATERALS WITH AUSTRALIANS, CANADIANS AND NEW ZEALANDERS

ONLY.

(i).

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

Subeeper rond more detailed discussions on this basis. At next round 14/15

November we aim to concentrate on areas where most common ground

likely eg Hong Kong's legal and financial systems. Meanwhile informal contact to continue between negotiators.

B. WITH ALL COMMONWEALTH REPRESENTATIVES

Common aim of maintaining

(ii) Sino-British talks through diplomatic channels agreed

September 1982. Meetings held Peking.

Hong Kong's stability and prosperity.

1

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