TNAG-2289-FCO40-3293-Future-of-Hong-Kong-Basic-Law-1991 — Page 50

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From the Private Secretary

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Dear Richard,

HeadARD Dr Ricketts

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PS/Law Carter 20 PS/PUS Su J Coles

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Head News

6 September 1991

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PRIME MINISTER'S MEETING WITH EXCO, HONG KONG,

5 SEPTEMBER

I understand that the EXCO Secretariat will produce a full record of the Prime Minister's meeting with EXCO but it may be helpful to you to have a note of the main points.

In his introductory remarks the Prime Minister said:

i. He was grateful to EXCO for their steadiness

and support during a difficult period;

ii. We had differences with China over issues

other than Hong Kong e.g. arms sales and human rights. But we should not put China in a box;

iii. The Prime Minister gave an account of his talks with Chinese leaders in some detail covering Hong Kong issues, human rights (Hong Kong detainees, Tibet, the Amnesty list) as well as what he had described to the Chinese as the inevitable and desirable trend towards world democracy;

iv. The Prime Minister had in his talks

reaffirmed Britain's commitment to Hong Kong up to and beyond 1997. We were determined to make a success of the Joint Declaration. We would have a special and lasting relationship with Hong Kong thereafter which would be constantly reaffirmed through visits and trade and economic ties;

v. The Prime Minister described our commitment

to build a Consulate for the post-1997 period as an indication to Hong Kong and more widely that we were confident about the future. The necessary funds for the building would be found.

HESTRION