TNAG-1260-FCO40-1600-Briefings-for-Ministers-and-FCO-officials-on-the-future-of-H-1983 — Page 101

prosperity.

5.

SECRET

Wrangling over form of agenda.

THIS IS A COPY THE ORIGINAL HAS BEEN CLOSED FOR

40 YEARS UNDER FOI

EXEMPTION NO....27.6, 40(2)

· 6.

7.

Agenda finally agreed 28 June:

(i)

Arrangements for the maintenance of the stability and prosperity of Hong Kong after 1997.

(ii) Arrangements in Hong Kong between now and 1997. (iii) Matters relating to transfer of sovereignty

in that order. In accepting this agenda( on which as in all matters relating to Hong Kong, Governor and Hong Kong's Executive Council fully consulted), we conceded nothing. We and Chinese had manoeuvered but neither had departed from basic principles.

Substantive talks publicly designated'second phase') began 12/13 July. Further meetings held 25/6 July and 2/3 August. Will resume 22/23 September. Chinese delegation led by Vice Minister Yao Guang, British delegation by HMA Peking. Governor of Hong Kong participating on the British side,Chinese insistent that talks are bilateral between Britain and China and that Hong Kong Government is not a third party.

8.

Atmosphere at second phase of talks good though Chinese line on substance progressively tough, both on basic sovereignty point and on indivisibility of sovereignty and administration. negotiator emphasised:

(a) Hong Kong regarded as integral part of China.

Chinese

(b) China to recover exercise of sovereigny over whole of Hong

Kong by 1997

(c) Indivisibility of sovereignty and administration. No

flexibility on this point.

(d) After recovery of sovereignty China would pursue special

policies to maintain Hong Kong's prosperity.

be special administrative region of China.

Hong Kong to

SECRET

!