TNAG-1263-FCO40-1606-Parliamentary-contacts-on-the-future-of-Hong-Kong-1983 — Page 98

FUTURE OF HONG KONG

NOTES FOR SUPPLEMENTARIES

CONFIDENTIAL

TALKS ON THE FUTURE OF HONG KONG

MEANING OF 'SECOND PHASE' OF. TALKS

1. The term 'second phase' relates to the more detailed phase of the talks which began in Peking on 12 July. Five meetings have now taken place in this second phase.

WHY SUCH A LONG GAP BETWEEN TALKS?

2.

This is a matter of fitting in with the schedules of the negotiators. But informal contacts continue meanwhile.

TIMETABLE FOR TALKS AND CHINESE THREAT TO MAKE ANNOUNCEMENT BY 1984

3. No time table has been set for the talks and we cannot make any useful forecast of how long they will" take. The issues are complex and are not helped by suggestions of artificial deadlines. We believe it is more important to find the right solution in the best interests of Hong Kong than to rush matters, but we are getting on with the talks as quickly as we can.

COMPOSITION OF DELEGATIONS

4.

This is decided in accordance with the requirements of the talks. The British negotiating team is led by our Ambassador in Peking. The Governor of Hong Kong is also attending the Chinese delegation is led by Vice Foreign Minister Yao Guang.

MINISTERIAL PARTICIPATION IN TALKS

5.

There are no present plans for British Ministers to join the talks but this possibility cannot be ruled out if considered

JOENTIAL