TNAG-1308-FCO40-1665-Future-of-Hong-Kong-1984 — Page 57

RESTRICTED

'CONCESSIONS' IN THE TALKS BY HMG

Content of talks confidential by common agreement. Therefore inappropriate to divulge details.

[IF PRESSED]

1

No concessions made by either side which would anticipate nature of any final agreement. It will be for Parliament to decide for our part at the end of the day.

BRITISH SELLOUT

HMG have oft-repeated

Any such suggestions harmful and untrue.

commitment to Hong Kong. Have been trying and will continue to try to obtain best possible deal for Hong Kong ensuring stability/prosperity.

Committed to seeking a settlement acceptable

to Britain, China and Hong Kong. Mean to achieve satisfactory

agreement.

TIMETABLE FOR TALKS AND IMMINENCE OF AN AGREEMENT

Much speculation about these. No overall timetable agreed for talks, though common sense dictates desirability of reaching settlement as soon as possible. Getting on as quickly as we can but important not to rush. Right solution more important. Premature to speculate on when agreement will be reached. Naturally aware of China's references to an announcement in September 1984 but believe that their strong preference, like ours, is for negotiated bilateral

settlement. In any case, Chinese statements do not rule out

continuation of talks thereafter.

ACCEPTABILITY OF PROPOSED ARRANGEMENTS TO HONG KONG

Committed to seeking settlement acceptable to Hong Kong. Parliament to decide final outcome for our part taking Hong Kong's views into account. In continuing close touch with these, notably through Governor and EXCO who are well placed to reflect them.

For

But

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