TNAG-1262-FCO40-1602-MPs--letters-on-the-future-of-Hong-Kong-1983 — Page 71

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THE PRIME MINISTER

10 DOWNING STREET

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20 October,

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Jean Robert да

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Thank you for your letter of 4 October.

I assure you that I attach considerable importance to the

good relations which exist between ourselves and China and I

have no wish to see them damaged. I believe that we shall be

able to work out a solution for the future of Hong Kong which

will both strengthen these relations and be acceptable to the

people of Hong Kong and to Parliament.

You will not expect me to reveal the content of the talks

but you need be in no doubt that our approach is realistic.

Public descriptions of our approach have more often than not been

very wide of the mark but we for our part have been respecting

our agreement with the Chinese to maintain the confidentiality of

the talks.

I was glad that you decided not to publish your letter.

It is important that nothing should be done to damage further

confidence in Hong Kong or the atmosphere of the talks.

R. Adley, Esq., M.P.

Your we

Ray and

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MKK040 13

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2 5 OCT 1983

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