TNAG-1258-FCO40-1591-Third-countries-and-the-future-of-Hong-Kong-1984 — Page 19

CODE 18-77

Mr Brenton

(ECDE W 68)

Reference

MK Kogels

File

663

Tpv -783

FUTURE OF HONG KONG:

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BRIEFING THE GERMANS

Thank you for your undated minute attaching a letter to Sir J Bullard from his German opposite number.

1.

2.

We discussed Dr Pfeffer's request. In this Department we are aware of the general obligations which we have towards our Community partners in the context of political co-operation. We also have in mind the strategic advantages that might be gained in due course from briefing the Community on the Course of

our negotiations with the Chinese on Hong Kong's future. But at the present stage of this delicate exercise the Prime Minister's instructions are extremely firm; and they preclude us from taking any initiative in giving detailed briefing, whether collective or bilateral, to other Community

Governments.

3.

If the future of Hong Kong is raised with us by our Community partners, either in bilateral ministerial talks or in approaches from Community Embassies in London, they receive

rather vague and general account of where matters stand. I think it is on these lines that we must respond to Dr Pfeffer's request.

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We therefore recommend that Sir J Bullard's reply to Dr Pfeffer might include the following passage:

4.

5.

"Where the negotiations on Hong Kong's future are concerned, I am afraid that I am not in a position to give you any information in writing or through our Embassy in Bonn on progress over this highly sensitive issue. I would however be happy to bring you up-to-date orally and in general terms when next we meet, perhaps in the margins of a meeting of Political Directors.

If you could kindly let me know when Sir J Bullard and Pfeffer are next likely to meet we shall be happy to supply the necessary briefing.

Dr

6.

This recommendation has been discussed with Mr Donald.

22 December 1983

સામા

SECRET

Cottum

CO Hum

Hong Kong Department WH 306 233 4381

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