TNAG-1747-FCO40-2466-Visit-by-Sir-Geoffrey-Howe--Secretary-of-State-for-Foreign-a-1988 — Page 194

ARPAGU

CONFIDENTIAL

B

але

SECRETARY OF STATE'S VISIT TO MALAYSIA, SINGAPORE AND BRUNEI

4-11 APRIL 1988

BRIEF NO. 12: HONG KONG

Objectives

MRB 027/3

1. To indicate that Sino-British cooperation on Hong Kong is proceeding well; convey an optimistic message on the state of the Hong Kong economy; and emphasise that international expressions of support are helpful for confidence.

Points to Make

1.

Cooperation with Chinese over Hong Kong going well at all levels. Recently met Wu Xueqian in London. Good understanding with him over full range of issues.

2.

White Paper on representative government: important step

forward. Decisions in White Paper have been generally welcomed by

the people of Hong Kong.

3. Hong Kong economy performing very well. Plays dynamic role in regional economy. Growth last year 13.5%.

Confidence

remarkably good, but still fragile. In the interests of the international community to maintain it: expressions of support from foreign governments always helpful for confidence.

матта тараТМТАТ