TNAG-1263-FCO40-1606-Parliamentary-contacts-on-the-future-of-Hong-Kong-1983 — Page 179

//CONFIDENTIAL

CALL BY MR ROBERT ADLEY MP: 25 JULY 1983

POINTS TO MAKE

1.

Understand concern not to upset UK/China relations over

question of Hong Kong. HMG also attach importance to maintaining

good relations with PRC. Confident that we can reach agreement

on future of Hong Kong without detriment to these.

2.

But no doubt about our responsiblity to people of Hong Kong.

HMG is committed to attempting to reach an agreement with Chinese

acceptable to people of Hong Kong.

3.

Your comments in interview suggest acceptance of Chinese

proposals as they stand. People of Hong Kong realists but are

genuinely worried that these do not provide adequate guarantees

for preservation of present way of life. Important that HMG

are seen to be negotiating for arrangement which includes genuine

guarantee against Chinese interference.

4.

Comments by public figures in UK are widely reported in

Hong Kong. Leading UK politician advising acceptance of Chinese

proposals casts doubts on firmness of HMG's commitment and affects

confidence.

5.

Statements may also give wrong signal to Chinese. Their

tightly controlled political system makes it difficult for them

to differentiate between official Government statements in talks

and personal opinions offered by other Establishment figures.

6.

Can be assured that we take a realistic approach based

on the need to look to the future rather than the past. But

CONFIDENTIAL

/we