TNAG-2803-FCO40-4043-Canadian-proposal-for-a-multilateral-meeting-on-Hong-Kong-in-1993 — Page 3

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FM FCO

TO IMMEDIATE HONG KONG

TELNO 1077

OF 171713Z DECEMBER 93

INFO PRIORITY WASHINGTON, CANBERRA, OTTAWA, TOKYO

INFO PRIORITY PEKING, JLG HONG KONG

PERSONAL FOR POLITICAL ADVISER FROM RICKETTS HKD

YOUR TELNO 1883: CANADIAN PROPOSAL FOR A MULTI-LATERAL MEETING ON

HONG KONG

1.

I have discussed this with Christopher Hum. We agree that we should respond positively to this Canadian proposal. The

Canadians have been supportive in the past, and it is in our interest that the new Government should continue this tradition. The meeting will also be helpful as an opportunity to stiffen spines among our partners during a difficult period in which we will need their continued support.

2. We do however find the handling of the proposal maladroit. The first I heard of it was from your telegram. When the Canadian High Commission here finally got round to writing to me, they said that initial positive reactions were already coming in from the other capitals. It is odd that they did not clear their Lines with us first, particularly since we will have to do most of the giving at any meeting.

3. Subject to your views, I propose to reply to the High Commission on the following lines, and suggest that you take a similar line with the Canadian Commission:

We welcome the proposal for a meeting and look forward to participating as a joint HMG/HKG delegation. We are grateful for the Canadian offer to host the meeting.

- We attach great importance to avoiding any publicity for the gathering. This would only intensify Chinese suspicions of an international plot against them over Hong Kong. We therefore agree that the meeting should be kept small, and participation should be kept at working level. I would propose to attend for the UK and understand that Hong Kong will be represented at

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