TNAG-1260-FCO40-1600-Briefings-for-Ministers-and-FCO-officials-on-the-future-of-H-1983 — Page 39

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PRIME MINISTER'S TALKS WITH MR LUBBERS AND CHANCELLOR KOHL :

19-21 SEPTEMBER 1983

BRIEF I : HONG KONG

ESSENTIAL FACTS

1.

Neither the Dutch nor the Germans have been kept regularly abreast of developments in our talks with the Chinese on the future of Hong Kong but Lady Young/Mr Rifkind did give Dr Mertes (Minister of State, FRG Ministry of Foreign Affairs) a general briefing when he visited London 12-13 September.

2.

Both the Dutch and the Germans have some interest in this subject. The Netherlands is Hong Kong's 9th and the FRG its 3rd largest market for domestic exports. There is a strong German business community in Hong Kong, and considerable German investment

there.

Future of Hong Kong

The second phase

3. The Prime Minister is aware of the background. of Sino-British talks began in Peking on 12 July 1983 and will resume on 22/23 September after a seven week recess.

SECRET

MKK040/11

RECEIVED IN REGISTRY 13 SEP 1983

DESK OFFICER

INDEX

PA

REGISTRY Action Taken

44