TNAG-1263-FCO40-1606-Parliamentary-contacts-on-the-future-of-Hong-Kong-1983 — Page 23

Mr Clift, HKD

CONFIDENTIAL

FROM:

PA

740

RP OSBORNE

DATE: 15 December 1983

Cc: Mr Donald

see (6)

(83)

MR HAL MILLER MP

1. Mr Miller telephoned yesterday by way of follow-up to his telephone call about 10 days ago, at which time he passed on various points which he wished to bring to Mr Luce's attention on the Chinese thinking on the Hong Kong negoti- ations. One of these was a suggestion that the Hong Kong representative of the New China News Agency (NCNA) had full authority to conduct negotiations on behalf of the Chinese Government.

2. Mr Miller had not expected anything further from this, but he has now been asked by his contacts for a reaction to this proposal from the British Government. He stressed that the Chinese are prepared to hold talks at any level, formal or informal, in Hong Kong or elsewhere, with the NCNA represen- tative speaking for the Chinese.

3.

I explained to Mr Miller that he had just missed Mr Luce. Mr Miller expressed disappointment, and said that he would welcome his views on this proposal as soon as possible. I should be grateful for your advice in time for Mr Luce's return on 21 December.

#

"

HKK 040/16.

RECEIVED IN REGISTRY

29 DEL 1983

DESK OFFICER

REGISTRY

Action Taken

Mr. Hugh

Tel. 6-IME.

Cra

19/

RP Osborne APS/Mr Luce

PA

✓

M. Hoare

spr. reply pl. We shd perhaps spead beforehand

CONFIDENTIAL

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