TNAG-1299-FCO40-1655-Visit-by-Sir-Geoffrey-Howe--Secretary-of-State-for-Foreign-a-1984 — Page 72

CODE 18-77

HP 4/83

UNCLASSIFIED

file

Reference.

300

INTERVIEW WITH SECRETARY OF STATE BY JAPANESE NEWSPAPER

QUESTION

What impact do you feel any Anglo-Chinese accord on Hong Kong will have on stability in this part of the world?

1.

ANSWER

1. Believe a satisfactory agreement on Hong Kong would greatly reinforce stability in Far East. Hong Kong a remarkable success story. Fusion of Chinese and British qualities makes it important financial and commercial centre for the region and the world. Agreement would allow it to continue playing this important role.

2. Shared aim in talks with Chinese to maintain stability and prosperity of Hong Kong. Hope that we can reach a satisfactory agreement on this basis. My visit to Peking a useful step forward.

Such an outcome good for people of Hong Kong, good for China and good for Japan and the Far East in general.

3.

Hong Kong Department

19 April 1984

UNCLASSIFIED

+LICK 027/2

ATCE

28 APR 1934

hai

кез