TNAG-1260-FCO40-1600-Briefings-for-Ministers-and-FCO-officials-on-the-future-of-H-1983 — Page 85

+4

ESSENTIAL FACTS

BRIEFING THE GERMANS

SECRET

1.

The Germans have not been kept abreast of developments in our talks with the Chinese on the future of Hong Kong. In accordance with the Prime Minister's instructions only the Americans and Australians are briefed regularly, at a high level.

2.

Nevertheless, the Germans have an interest in this subject. The FRG is Hong Kong's third largest market for its domestic exports (these totalled £670 m. in 1982) and there is a strong German business community in Hong Kong.

3.

During the spring, the controversial German newspaper, 'Der Spiegel' and the usually more moderate 'Bonn General Anzeiger' published unhelpful and pessimistic articles about Hong Kong. Consequently our Embassy in Bonn are making efforts to steer the German media in the right direction.

FUTURE OF HONG KONG

4.

1982.

The Prime Minister visited China and Hong Kong in September

5.

During her visit to China, the first ever by a British Prime Minister in office, one of the subjects discussed was Hong Kong. The following statement was issued after a meeting between Mrs Thatcher and Chairman Deng Xiaoping on 24 September:

Both

Today the leaders of both countries held far-reaching talks in a friendly atmosphere on the future of Hong Kong. leaders made clear their respective positions on this subject.

They agreed to enter talks through diplomatic channels

following the visit with the common aim of maintaining the stability and prosperity of Hong Kong'.

SECRET