TNAG-1312-FCO40-1687-Future-of-Hong-Kong-views-and-involvement-of-Australia--Cana-1984 — Page 112

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3. I SHALL OF COURSE ALSO TAKE THE OPPORTUNITY TO BRIEF MR HAWKE ABOUT THE CURRENT SITUATION IN HONG KONG.

4. I HAVE SEEM NOTHING IN THE TELEGRAMS TO SUGGEST THAT THE AUSTRALIANS ARE LOOKING FOR GUIDANCE ON WHAT MR HAWKE MIGHT SAY ABOUT HONG KONG IF THE SUBJECT COMES UP IN HIS DISCUSSIONS WITH CHINESE LEADERS. BUT IF MR HAWKE ASKS WHETHER THERE IS ANYTHING HE CAN DO TO HELP I WOULD SUGGEST, SUBJECT TO YOUR VIEWS, THAT HE MIGHT STRESS:

(A) AUSTRALIA'S SUBSTANTIAL TRADE WITH AND INVESTMENT IN HONG KONG, AND HENCE THE INTEREST OF THE AUSTRALIAN GOVERNMENT IN AN AGREEMENT WHICH WILL ENSURE THAT IT REMAINS A MAJOR FINANCIAL AND COMMERCIAL CENTRE.

(B) THE IMPORTANCE OF CONFIDENCE, AND THE NEED IN THAT CONTEXT FOR CREDIBLE ASSURANCES OF CONTINUITY IF THE TERRITORY'S STABILITY AND PROSPERITY ARE TO BE PRESERVED.

EVANS

FUTURE OF HONG KONG

LIMITED

HD/HKD

HD/FED

HD/PUSD

HD/PLANNING STAFF

D/HD/PUSD (MR FLOWER)

RES.B. (MR WALKER)

LEGAL ADVISER (SIR IAN SINCLAIR

PS

PS/LADY YOUNG

PS/MR LUCE

PS/PUS

SIR J BULLARD

SIR. W. HARDING

MR DONALD

MR WRIGHT

SIR C TICKELL

COPIES TO:

BUCKINGHAM PALACE

PS/LORD PRESIDENT OF THE COUNCIL

PS/HOME-SECRETARY

PS/CHANCELLOR OF THE EXCHEQUER PS/LORD PRIVY SEAL

PS/SECRETARY FOR TRADE & INDUSTRY

COPIES TO: (VIA ADR)

MR ROBERTS NEWS D

MR BURROWS

LEGAL ADVS

MR COLES NO 10 DOWNING ST

MR MARTIN ASSESSMENT STAFF CABINET OFFICE

MR GOODALL CABINET OFFICE

MR BRENNAN CABINET OFFICE

PS/S OF S FOR DEFENCE D PS/ATTORNEY GENERAL

SIR P CRADOCK RM K195

SIR P CRADOCK NO 10 DOWNING STREET

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