TNAG-1295-FCO40-1650-Visits-by-members-of-the-Office-of-the-Unofficial-Members-of-1984 — Page 123

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BACKGROUND

1. Mr Parry regularly asks questions about Hong Kong. His interests appear to be in the future of Hong Kong and the extension of popular participation in the Government of the territory. He has shown particular

interest in the visits by UMELCO delegations to London and Peking.

2. A delegation of Unofficial members of the Hong Kong Executive Council visited Peking from 21 to 25 June at the invitation of the Hong Kong Branch of the New China News Agency. The purpose of their visit was to explain to Chinese leaders their understanding of the concerns of the people of Hong Kong. They had meetings with Chairman Deng Xiaoping and State Councillor Ji Pengfei. The Governor of Hong Kong has described the visit as a very useful one.

3. The delegation were somewhat brusquely handled by Deng, and certain Hong Kong papers drew the conclusion that they had been "humiliated". After pointedly welcoming them only in their capacities as private individuals, Deng told them sharply that the Chinese Government had decided the direction, position and policies on Hong Kong's future and these were firm and unchangeable. On return to Hong Kong the delegation said they did not think that Deng was convinced that there was a confidence crisis in Hong Kong.

4.

The reply has been agreed by Hong Kong and Peking.

Hong Kong Department

11 July 1984

DISTRIBUTION:

Parliamentary Unit

HKD

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