TNAG-2195-FCO40-3132-Hong-Kong-nationality-package-1990 — Page 5

Redacted under FOI

exemption section 27(1)

1

CONFIDENTIAL

[HONG KONG: FOLLOW-UP TO THE DEBATE]

інко экос 34014

"RECEIVED IN REGISTRY.

0 1 JUN 1990

DESK OFFICER

INDEX

RA

REGISTRY

Acton Taken

1. Like the Department, I shall be reflecting on how we might best manage the relationship with China - over Hong Kong issues and more generally - in the coming months.

demonstrate the size of

the problem we face in convincing the Chinese that the Nationality package is not part of a plan to maintain British influence in Hong Kong, and that the Chinese would do best to come to terms with it. Ministerial visits (Mr Maude's and the Secretary of State's) will be very important in that process. There may also be a case for an early message from the Secretary of State to Qian Qichen.

2.

It will also be important to return to practical co-operation with the Chinese on Hong Kong issues wherever we can. With the Chinese in their present mood this will not be easy.

But genuine consultation will do much to undermine Chinese suspicions about our motives.

3. I am sure that a message from the Secretary of State to the Hong Kong Government would be much appreciated. As the Department say, I think this is best addressed to the Governor. I agree with the draft.

678

24 April 1990

Cc:

Mr Gillmore

Mr Burns

Miss Marsden, HKD

RJT McLaren

اسلام

Mr Selul Ic Ms Mojim 2574.

Mr

For 2114

Rn 29,✓

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CONFIDENTIAL