TNAG-1464-FCO40-1991-Visits-by-Chinese-officials-to-the-UK--including-visit-by-Hu-1986 — Page 165

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CONFIDENTIAL

BACKGROUND NOTE

The

Secretary of State has recently discussed the future of Hong Kong with his Chinese counterpart, Mr Wu Xueqian, at a meeting in Brussels on 23 May. It had been our suggestion that the meeting should take place during Wu's tour of several European countries. Our objective was to initiate with the

with the Chinese a more intensive discussion of the question of Government structure in Hong Kong. We believe a dialogue is necessary to ensure convergence between the Basic Law for the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region which the Chinese are now drafting and any elements of reform to the Government structure that are introduced as a result of the review to be held in Hong Kong in 1987.

But to avoid prompting damaging speculation in Hong Kong (where the question of reform to the government structure and Chinese intentions in this respect are sensitive issues) the meeting was

the meeting was carefully presented as a lunch arranged when it was found that the two Foreign Ministers would be in Brussels for other reasons at the sa me time. The draft reply therefore draws on the language of the agreed Press statement following the meeting (copy attached).

Hong Kong is unlikely to figure significantly in the meeting between the Prime Minister and General Secretary Hu Yaobang which will take place on 9 June, although it will almost certainly be mentioned briefly by the two leaders. It will certainly come

up in the separate meeting due to take place on the same day between Mr Renton and Vice Foreign Minister Zhou Nan, where it is possible the Chinese will offer some response to the ideas

we put to them at the 23 May

meeting of Foreign Ministers.

Beyond that, there are no firm plans for meetings

between Ministers Government.

and

members of the Chinese It may be possible for the Secretary of State to have a meeting with the Chinese Foreign Minister at the UN in September and there will almost certainly be a separate meeting of Foreign Ministers when the Secretary of State accompanies Her Majesty The Queen on the State Visit to China in October.

Mr Holt has not previously shown particular interest in Hong Kong affairs.

HONG KONG DEPARTMENT 3 June 1986

CONFIDENTIAL

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