TNAG-1258-FCO40-1591-Third-countries-and-the-future-of-Hong-Kong-1984 — Page 77

UK/CANADA

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THE ORIGINAL HAS BEEN RETAINED IN THE DEPARTMENT UNDER SECTION 3 (4) OF THE PUBLIC RECORDS ACT 1958

DISCUSSIONS 5/6 DECEMBER 1983-

((35)

HKK040/5

FUTURE OF HONG KONG

POINTS TO MAKE

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P

exberri

1. Keeping your government informed at high level

Second, more detailed phase of

Sino-British talks began 12 July. Six rounds since.

2. Fifth (19/20 October) and sixth (14/15 November) rounds both

jointly described as 'useful and constructive'. At October meeting 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 or to any final agreement. Well received.

3.

November session heavier going. Chinese restated their position on matters of principle. Fleshed out some of details of See 637 their SAR plan for Hong Kong but these still appear rudimentary.

4.

Chinese said they were ready to hear our views on practical arrangements for Hong Kong after 1997. But they maintained that only where 'British interests' were directly involved could there be

detailed discussion.

5.

Signs that Chinese still see road to further progress in terms of agreement on principles. We stressed need to fill in details and discuss practicalities if:

(a) confidence and continuity in Hong Kong were to be sustained

in the long-term;

(b) we, and subsequently Parliament were to form a considered

view of the overall package of Chinese proposals;

(c) Both sides were to reach arrangements for Hong Kong which

would fulfil agreed common aim of talks.

Although Chinese showed limited understanding of our

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