TNAG-1313-FCO40-1688-Future-of-Hong-Kong-views-and-involvement-of-Australia--Cana-1984 — Page 138

CONFIDENTIAL

BRIEF NO:

156

"

VISIT OF LADY YOUNG TO NEW ZEALAND AND AUSTRALIA HKK040/6

17-23 OCTOBER 1984

Hong Kong

POINTS TO MAKE (Australians and New Zealanders)

KELEIVES

INDE

REGISTRY

- 9 OCT 1984

FICER

так

RY

tun laker

JAK 110 GK 14/10

1. Kept your Government informed on confidential basis during

Sino-British negotiations.

2.

You have seen text of the Agreement. We believe it is a good one. Provides framework within which Hong Kong's unique and highly developed legal, economic and social systems. can be maintained and developed. No hesitation in commending Agreement to people of

Hong Kong who are now making known their views on it. Agreement

will subsequently be debated in Parliament. If acceptable expect to sign by end of the year.

3.

So far, reactions to Agreement generally favourable.

Many

helpful statements of support both within and outside Hong Kong.

WITH AUSTRALIANS ONLY

4. Very grateful for Mr Hawke's positive statement on

26 September. Sure comment of this kind will do much to foster

increasing confidence in the Agreement and in Hong Kong's continuing stability and prosperity.

WITH NEW ZEALANDERS ONLY

5.

Believe the

Warmly welcomed Mr Lange's supportive statement.

Agreement mirrors his wish for a a settlement beneficial both to

Hong Kong and to stability of Asian-Pacific Region.

Hong Kong Department

October 1984

CONFIDENTIAL