TNAG-1306-FCO40-1663-Future-of-Hong-Kong-1984 — Page 6

SECRET

LORD SHAWCROSS' CALL ON THE SECRETARY OF STATE, MONDAY 30 JANUARY 1984:

FUTURE OF HONG KONG.

POINTS TO MAKE

1. Discussed in October. Four rounds of talks since. 'Useful and constructive'. Latest 25/26 January. New delegation leaders.

Next 22/23 February.

2. Sir P Cradock's farewell calls. Chinese generally positive.

3. Currently examining Chinese ideas, without prejudice to own

position on final agreement. Latter for Parliament.

4. Getting into detailed discussion.

measures ensuring stability/prosperity.

Willing to discuss any

5. Some common ground. But problem areas. More exploration

necessary.

6. We too hope settlement can be reached soon. But right solution

more important. Stability/prosperity best insured by (a)

continuity of systems and (b) minimum interference.

7.

In close touch with Hong Kong opinion. Governor and EXCO visited January.

8.

Need to assure continuity.

badly on Britain and China.

9.

Collapse of Hong Kong would reflect

We want best deal for Hong Kong people. No colonialist aspirations.

10. Chinese propaganda.

11.

Less strident, intended to be more reassuring.

Welcome talks to enhance Sino-British relations and Britain/ China/Hong Kong partnership.

Defensive

We believe Chinese, like us,

12. Chinese September 1984 deadline. would prefer bilateral agreement. But deadlines not helpful.

13. Chinese 'reconsideration' of 1997 deadline in event of" turmoil". We share common interest in maintaining stability/prosperity.

We

mean to achieve.

SECRET

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