TNAG-1260-FCO40-1600-Briefings-for-Ministers-and-FCO-officials-on-the-future-of-H-1983 — Page 60

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

19-21 SEPTEMBER 1983

FUTURE OF HONG KONG

[DEFENSIVE]

POINTS TO MAKE (MR LUBBERS)

1.

1. Talks through diplomatic channels between Britain and China agreed last September. Meetings held in Peking with common aim of

maintaining Hong Kong's stability and prosperity.

2. Second (ie more detailed) phase of talks began in July. Will

reconvene 22/23 September after seven week recess. Chinese

delegation led by Vice Foreign Minister Yao Guang, British

delegation by HMA Peking. Governor of Hong Kong participating as appropriate on British side.

3. Content of talks confidential.

Atmosphere generally friendly

though Chinese line on substance tough throughout. We have given nothing away.

4. Our aim is to seek a settlement acceptable to Britain, China and

people of Hong Kong. Their views being taken fully into account. Made known to us and Governor through many channels. We are in close

consultation, through the Governor, with Hong Kong's Executive

Council (EXCO). Mr Luce to visit Hong Kong 24-29 September.

5. Chinese propaganda has floated idea of Hong Kong as (Special

Administrative Region(SAR) under Chinese constitution, with considerable autonomy and functioning essentially as it does now.

Propaganda campaign aimed at undermining our position. Party

General Secretary, Hu Yaobang, told Japanese reporters on 15 August

that China would recover sovereignty over Hong Kong on 1 July 1997. He gave erroneous impression. We have conceded nothing.

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