TNAG-2606-FCO40-3797-International-support-from-Japan-regarding-the-future-of-Hon-1992 — Page 124

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DOUGLAS HURD, CBE., M. P.,

1

3:

CONFIDENTIAL

I

I raised the issue of Hong Kong in the meetings.

emphasised Japan's strong interest that Hong Kong should be able

to maintain her democratic regime after 1997 on the basis of the

Hong Kong Basic Law, so as to remove uncertainty about her

future and to enable her to maintain her stability and

prosperity. The Chinese side, showing her understanding of our

view, emphasised that the continuing prosperity of Hong Kong

after 1997 is also very important for China, adding, at the same

time, that the question of Hong Kong after 1997 will be China's

domestic problem and that, therefore, she is opposed to any

attempt at the internationalisation of the issue. I think,

however, that the meaning of my message has fully got through,

and I would like to continue to be closely in touch with you on

this issue.

Thoughout my trip, I felt the extreme importance of

urging China to contribute more positively to the changing

international order, encouraging her to act positively in

the fields of, in particular, arms control and disarmament, human

rights and democracy, and inducing her to become a trustworthy

member of the international society. It is my wish to continue

to exchange views and to co-ordinate policies closely with your

Government.

Cont. /...