TNAG-1257-FCO40-1590-Third-countries-and-the-future-of-Hong-Kong-1983 — Page 22

BACKGROUND

11. The Prime Minister is aware of the background.

Not for use

12.

With the Prime Minister's agreement we keep the Australians,

Canadians and New Zealanders generally informed about the talks

at a high level, though to a slightly lesser extent than we do

the Americans. The New Zealanders and Australians were brought

up to date during Mr Whitney's visit to the South Pacific in

September/October.

The Australian High Commissioner called on

Mr Luce on 17 October. The Prime Minister discussed Hong Kong

with Mr Trudeau on 26 September in Ottawa. The Australian,

Canadian and New Zealand representatives in Hong Kong, Peking

and London are also kept up to date.

13.

Within the Commonwealth, the Australians, New Zealanders

and Canadians have shown the closest interest in Hong Kong's

future. The only others to do so are Malaysia, Singapore,

Tonga and Botswana. The Malaysian Prime Minister recently

criticised Britain's handling of the Hong Kong issue. (Malaysian

banks sustained heavy losses recently through their involvement

in the Hong Kong property market.) Premier Lee Kuan Yew of

Singapore told Mr Luce on 24 September that Britain should play

its hand 'quietly and firmly'. The King of Tonga asked for

briefing on Hong Kong when he saw Sir Geoffrey Howe on 25 October.

We have also recently provided general briefing on Hong Kong

for President Masire of Botswana who will visit China in November.

Foreign and Commonwealth Office

2 November 1983

- 3.