TNAG-1307-FCO40-1664-Future-of-Hong-Kong-1984 — Page 47

SECRET

SUMMARY RECORD OF MR LUCE'S MEETING WITH FCO OFFICIALS ON HONG KONG:

20 FEBRUARY 1984, at 1100 HOURS

PRESENT:

129

Mr Luce, Minister of State

Sir Percy Cradock, DUSS

Mr Donald, AUSS

Mr Wilson, (AUSS-designate)

Mr Burrows, Legal Advisers

Mr Hum, HKD

PS/Mr Luce

Mr Powell, HKD

MKK040/1

RECEIVED IN REGISTRY

2 3 1984

DESK OFFICER

INDEX

PA

REGISTRY Action Taken

m (M127/2

FUTURE OF HONG KONG

STRATEGY AND TIMING

1.

The meeting discussed the Secretary of State's telegram on "Strategy and Timetable" of 17 February and the Governor's reply of 20 February. Sir Percy Cradock explained the background to the Secretary of State's telegram, and the proposal that the Government should issue a White Paper in the Summer to lift the veil on the negotiations and allow discussion. He said the Governor however continued to argue that we should aim for an interim statement instead of a full agreement in September. Mr Luce agreed that the Governor had put forward no new arguments and that there was no reason to change our previous assessment. We should still aim for an agreement in September followed by signature in October/November.

2. Mr Luce said that he would record his views in a minute to the

Secretary of State. The Secretary of State could hold a meeting on his return to consider the next step. Mr Luce would need a clear steer before speaking to the Governor in Hong Kong.

MR LUCE'S VISIT TO HONG KONG

3.

Mr Luce asked for briefing to be sent to Brunei for him to use

SECRET

/with