TNAG-1260-FCO40-1600-Briefings-for-Ministers-and-FCO-officials-on-the-future-of-H-1983 — Page 138

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A

CALL ON THE PUS BY MR COOK, DIRECTOR GENERAL, AUSTRALIAN OFFICE OF

NATIONAL ASSESSMENTS

FUTURE OF HONG KONG

LINE TO TAKE

1. Meetings in Peking continuing through diplomatic channel.

Getting on as quickly as we can.

Content confidential.

2.

Governor will attend as and when necessary. Fully in the picture

Close consultation with Executive Council. EXCO Unofficials here

with the Governor next week for consultations,

3.

Talks so far slow and mainly preliminary.

direction.

But moving in right

Believe we may be moving towards a more substantive phase.

We have made no concessions.

Would be a boost to confidence,

4.

Understand Mr Hayden in Hong Kong next week. Well aware of

Australian interest. Important not to do or say anything damaging to

confidence. Sir Victor Garland briefed last Friday.

[IF ASKED ABOUT NEWSWEEK ARTICLE OF 27 JUNE]

5.

Not accurate on the alleged 1984 deadline.

in September.

No fixed timetable.

Deng not specific

Talks that count not rumours.

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