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with Chairman Deng Xiaoping. Our talks did not deal exclusively with the question of Hong Kong.
able to discuss a wide range of international issues, and I was gratified to note the many subjects on which
the British and Chinese Governments hold common view-points. We also confirmed the excellent state of our
bilateral relations. However, by far the greatest part of the talks were spent in serious and detailed
discussion on all aspects of the future of Hong Kong. My aim was to sum up the course of negotiations so far
and to give them a new impetus. The meetings were business like and the atmosphere was invariably good.
7.
I came away from Peking satisfied that much progress had been made, but also aware that some major points
still needed to be resolved. An important phase of the negotiations still lies ahead, and we still have some
way to go before concluding an agreement. The focus of discussion has now moved back to the regular rounds
of negotiations in Peking, which continue their useful and constructive course.
8.
From Peking I flew on to Hong Kong. Between 18 and 20 April I held discussions with the Governor and
with the Unofficial members of the Executive Council and Legislative Council, I also met representatives of
a wide range of local opinion including elected and appointed members of the Urban Council and the District
Boards. On 20 April I made a statement about the way in which the Government is approaching the present
negotiation on Hong Kong's future. Copies of this statement have been deposited in the Library of the House.
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