TNAG-1260-FCO40-1600-Briefings-for-Ministers-and-FCO-officials-on-the-future-of-H-1983 — Page 143

4. On 13 July a joint statement was issued that the two sides

had had useful and constructive talks and would resume on

25 July. The content of the talks must remain confidential.

5. The extent and level of Hong Kong's participation on the

British side will be decided in accordance with the requirements

of the talks, but the Governor of Hong Kong is being consulted

throughout and will participate as and when necessary, eg at the

meeting on 12 July. As the Prime Minister made clear in

Hong Kong in September, the views of the people of Hong Kong will

be taken into account.

6. HMG's aim is to reach a solution that is acceptable to the

British and Chinese Governments and to the people of Hong Kong.

We are not making any rigid preconditions as to how this might

be achieved and are receptive to any proposals that meet this

criteria. We are concentrating on the talks and do not regard

their outcome as prejudged by anything that may be said outside.

*

Hong Kong Department

FOREIGN AND, COMMONWEALTH OFFICE

July 1983