TNAG-1313-FCO40-1688-Future-of-Hong-Kong-views-and-involvement-of-Australia--Cana-1984 — Page 156

AUSTRALIA

Acting

THE HIGH COMMISSIONER

CONFIDEN

AUSTRALIAN HIGH COMMISSION

Pome Minister

A helpful reply. Thank Alparation

you

leiter in

My dear Premi Pfoste

2:

AUSTRALIA HOUSE STRAND

LONDON WC2B 4LA

01-438 8000

25 September 1984

мт

Mr Hawke has asked me to pass to you the following text of a letter concerning a statement he will be making on The Future of Hong Kong:

Begins.

Dear Margaret

Thank you for your message confirming the successful conclusion of your negotiations with the Chinese on the future of Hong Kong.

As you note, Australia has a very close interest in the stability and prosperity of Hong Kong and we very much welcome the fact that a settlement has been reached.

I am happy to meet your request and issue a personal statement on the agreement.

I propose to issue the following statement at an early opportunity.

"The Future of Hong Kong

Statement by Prime Minister of Australia

The government welcomes the agreement that has been reached by the British and Chinese Governments about the future of Hong Kong.

I congratulate both governments on having achieved this settlement.

It is noteworthy that more than two years of intensive negotiations have resulted in a detailed agreement being reached with the declared

object of maintaining confidence in Hong Kong and ensuring its continued stability and prosperity.

CONFIDENTITLE

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