TNAG-1299-FCO40-1655-Visit-by-Sir-Geoffrey-Howe--Secretary-of-State-for-Foreign-a-1984 — Page 29

STATEMENT BY THE SECRETARY OF STATE

FOR FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH AFFAIRS

IN HONG KONG, 20 APRIL 1984

As you know, I have just come from three days of

meetings with Chinese leaders in Peking. I spent most

of my time there in discussions about the future of

Hong Kong. Before answering your questions, I should

like to say something about the way in which the British

Government is approaching these important negotiations.

Let me say, right at the start, that I am very much

aware of the problems and anxieties for the people of

Hong Kong which arise from the confidentiality of the

negotiations. I greatly appreciate the patience which

they have shown. The negotiations are still in progress.

And confidentiality is important for their success.

So

I do not propose today to go into detail about what is

being discussed. A number of important points still

have to be settled. But I should like to tell you how

I see the situation and the likely way ahead.

Formal discussions about the future of Hong Kong

were started in September 1982, when the Prime Minister

visited Peking. We then agreed with the Chinese

Government to enter into talks through diplomatic

channels, with the common aim of maintaining the

prosperity and stability of Hong Kong. When we started

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