TNAG-1262-FCO40-1602-MPs--letters-on-the-future-of-Hong-Kong-1983 — Page 12

T.Garel-Jones, Esq.,

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21st September 1983

P

could have been expected to know) whether indeed Hong Kong was a colony, a protectorate, part of Great Britain or indeed what it was.

The feeling was one of abandonment and I believe that it is not in the interests of the British Government to leave that uncertainty rest for one moment longer than is necessary. I appreciate, as do the local population, that negotiations are proceeding and it is clear that they are delicate. However, some reassurance to the local population of Hong Kong that their interests are close to the heart of those responsible for giving instructions to the negotiators, together with clear public statements as to the line that the negotiators are taking would do a good deal to reassure the population of Hong Kong. It is certainly the case that the negotiators and government of the People's Republic of China are making statements in public which very recently, of course, has had the unsettling effect on the value of the Hong Kong dollar and the value of shares as quoted on the Hong Kong Stock Market.

I should be grateful to hear from you as to your understand- ing of the British Government's approach to these problems, together with any reassurance that you or they are able to give.

Yours faithfully,

ARENSON GROUP PLC

B Gostelloe

John Sacks Director