TNAG-1258-FCO40-1591-Third-countries-and-the-future-of-Hong-Kong-1984 — Page 70

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SECRET

MKKOAO/S

RECEIVED IN REGISTRY

-LL 1983

639

ND:

CM2012

VISIT OF CANADIAN SECRETARY OF STATE FOR EXTERNAL AFFAIRS:

11-15 DECEMBER 1983

Checklist of Points to Make

1.

Keeping your Government informed. Seven rounds in second phase

of talks.

2. October Meeting. Proposed discussion of Chinese proposals for Hong Kong but without prejudice to own position/final agreement.

3. November meeting. Heavier going. Chinese clinging to principles. Ready to hear our views on practical arrangements but sticky on detail. We stressed need for detail in interests of

confidence.

4. Chinese suspicions of our motives. We made efforts to dispel

Well recieved.

doubts.

more

5. December round positive. Some discussion of practicalities.

6.

Clearly some common ground.

conflict with 'no change' policy.

But some of Chinese ideas

Still plugging 1984 deadline but

made clear bilateral statement preferred.

7.

Chinese propaganda. Recently toned down. More subtle but no less insidious approach. Hong Kong people remain sceptical.

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