14-0833 HONGKONG-AIRPORT
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182 14 isa
Ps/Lord Caithness Ps/Pus
Si 3. Coles
Mr Burns
Mr Paul HKD
Mr Davies FED. Mr Mower News, BRITAIN DETERMINED TO GET AGREEMENT ON NEW HONG KONG AIRPORT CANBERRA, May 14, Reuter Britain will make a determined effort to reach agreement with China on construction of a new multi-billion dollar airport for Hong Kong, the British colony's Governor Sir David Wilson said on Tuesday.
Wilson, currently on a visit to Australia, has cancelled the New Zealand leg of his tour so he can take part in talks on the new airport in Beijing from May 18 to 22.
Britain wants to begin construction as soon as possible but needs China's backing to attract major private participation, he said.
Earlier talks between Britain and China in Beijing recessed on April 13 for both sides to consult their governments.
We will be making a very determined effort to reach agreement on a basis which is acceptable to us, is practical and allows us to get on with the airport as a practical proposition being built quickly,'' Wilson told reporters.
He said talks would address the concerns of Britain and China, which believes the 127 billion Hong Kong dollar (16.3 billion U.S.) project will drain the colony's reserves before it returns to Chinese sovereignty in 1997.
We would like to try to do things to meet those concerns, Wilson said.
Wilson earlier on Tuesday met Australian Prime Minister Bob Hawke. He said Hawke showed willingness to be as supportive of Hong Kong as possible.
They discussed the Vietnamese refugee problem and Wilson assured Hawke Hong Kong would remain a sound place for
investment. He reiterated this to business executives in Sydney after leaving Canberra.
REUTER BT DT AR
fa HK/Oz?
MrStund Maprejor
7/14/5
17
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