TNAG-1260-FCO40-1600-Briefings-for-Ministers-and-FCO-officials-on-the-future-of-H-1983 — Page 62

ESSENTIAL FACTS

SECRET

Briefing the Dutch and the Germans

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