TNAG-1292-FCO40-1644-United-Nations-Conventions-signed-by-the-UK-extension-to-Hon-1984 — Page 8

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4. Macau was the space everyone was watching, but there turned out to be little to report. Wu Xueqian had a number of things to say on it to the press and, according to Eanes' advisers and the MFA, did not go further with the Portuguese authorities, even though his delegation included an expert on Macau. Wu told the 'China Daily' that the question of Macau would be resolved peacefully at "an appropriate moment". It was a problem left by history but would be easy to solve. Hong Kong's status was also derived from history but it had been solved "through joint efforts and negotiations in a satisfactory way for both parties". Indeed the MFA said the Chinese Foreign Minister went into the Hong Kong agreement in some detail, perhaps hoping to prepare the Portuguese for a similar "one country, two systems" solution.

5. But overall the Portuguese have been left guessing about Macau. They are, however, in no doubt about Chinese sensitivities in such matters. During the visit it came to light that the Chinese had protested strongly to the Portuguese MFA at statements by Soares several months ago to a Japanese newspaper to the effect that Macau would never be another Hong Kong. Whilst Soares claimed he had been mistranslated, and although the different characteristics of the two territories are obvious, the Portuguese admit that such things are best left unsaid.

6. The visit succeeded, therefore, in concentrating on generalities. The Portuguese were impressed with the energy and organization of the Chinese and clearly regard Eanes' return visit next year as one of his most important. They are just as content as the Chinese to keep Macau on the back-burner.

cc: WP Hartshorne Esq, SED

N Powell Esq, HKD

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S NOV 1784

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27.

1.

The Portugese Foreign Minister, Dr Jaime Gama, told me

hight

Ka) That the Chinese had given the Portugese advance warning that

Macau would not be raised during the visit of Li Xiannian to Portugal; and

(b)

that Wu Xueqian had told him in New York that Macau would eventually be subject to a Hong Kong type solution, but the Chinese would not be thinking about this for some

for some time.

November 1984

dc:

CODE 18-77

Mr Hum, HKD

Mr Synnott, SED Mr Hare, Lisbon

CONFIDENTIAL

Jonatha R11

JN Powell

Hong Kong Department

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Mr IC Orr

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Far East Department

Foreign and Commonwealth Office

King Charles Street

London

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Export Credits Guarantee Department

PO Box No 272 Aldermanbury House

Aldermanbury

London EC2P 2EL

Telephone 01 382 7000

Direct 01 382

Fax 01 382 7649

Telex 883601

Your reference

Our reference CP INF 166/10 Date

K6 August 1984

PA

T4218

Dear N. Orr,

Some time ago I spoke to you by phone about the possibility of providing information on Macau. You suggested that I provide more exact details of the type of information I require and you would pass the request to the Market Research Department at the FCO. You also mentioned cabling the British Trade Commission in Hong Kong which, I understand, has responsibility for such enquiries on Macau. I would be grateful if you could now make further enquiries for me and pass on any response. The type of information necessary to aid ECGD's proposed review of this country is along the lines of trade and balance of payments statistics, debt figures, levels of foreign exchange and such other similar (economic) data as may be available. However, any information, including non-statistical, which either the BTC or FCO library think may be of interest in conducting a political/ economic review of Macau would be very welcome. I do appreciate that very little information in fact exists on this market but thank you for your help in providing whatever there is.

с

C Miller

Country Policy Division 2

мойта Miss Brown

Plcc Mr. Wye, Research Dept.

My Head HUD

No! Any ideas? ic 177

for any background

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fps you are ware of

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