BACKGROUND
Mr Adley regularly asks questions on Hong Kong. He holds outspoken views on the question of Hong Kong's future and has aired them publicly in a variety of fora and also in correspondence with Ministers. He is Chairman of the Anglo-Chinese Parliamentary Group. Mr Adley visited Hong Kong in November 1983.
is
The Secretary of State aware of the background to the future of Hong Kong. The 11th round in the second, more detailed phase of the Sino-British talks on this subject was held in Peking on 26/27 March. The following joint statement was issued there on 27 March:
"The Chinese and British sides continued their useful and constructive talks on the Hong Kong question on 26 and 27 March in Peking. It was agreed that the twelfth round of talks would take place on 11 and 12 April in Peking".
The reply to Mr Adley's question has been agreed with Peking. Hong Kong are generally content with the answer, although they question the necessity for the phrase
"all aspects of Hong Kong's future"
and suggest replacing it with
"the future of Hong Kong"
We, however, prefer to retain the words
"all aspects"
to make it clearer that the Secretary of State is going to Peking for a general review of the state of the negotiations other. than to discuss one particular
matter, (eg the text of an agreement).
The final sentence of the reply reflects discussion with the Private Secretary.
Hong Kong Department
4 April 1984
DISTRIBUTION:
PS/Mr Luce PS/PUS
Sir P Cradock
FED
Dr Wilson
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Private notes are available after approval.