TNAG-1459-FCO40-1983-Relations-between-Hong-Kong-and-Macau-1986 — Page 40

CO Hum Esq HKD

FCO

02414 rst

Cort 147

ᄏ

2145

RESTRICTED

BRITISH EMBASSY LISBON

10 July 1986

150.

Dem Christopher,

MACAU NEGOTIATIONS

1. The Portuguese press paid very little attention to the talks on Macau, reflecting the low level of public interest in the subject here. The talks were presented as almost entirely procedural, and concerned with setting the agenda. Both sides are described as content with the results. The only points of substance, noted as coming from "diplomatic sources in Peking", are that Portugal tried to establish the principle of alternating venues for the talks and failed, and that Portugal was looking for a slightly later date for the transfer of administration than Hong Kong. paper claims the Chinese showed "a certain receptiveness" to this idea.

2.

One

There has so far been a notable lack of analysis of Portuguese objectives in the talks, or of any presentation of possible Macanese interests. It may be that this will change once the new negotiating team has organised its offices in the MFA and begins to work on its objectives, but for the moment the Portuguese press, which is not strong in terms of investigative or questioning journalism, evidently sees little significance in the talks.

Your ever

Dong.

D G Martin

cc: JD I Boyd Esq,

Political Adviser, Hong Kong

Chancery, Peking

SED, FCO

HKK 0201

3

RECEIVED IN NEGISTHY

30 JUL 1986

INOX

PA

Aeven Tät **

RESTRICTED

Aps 30