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UK-JAPAN 2000 GROUP: MEETING WITH THE PRIME MINISTER
[CONTRIBUTION TO PRIVATE SECRETARY TO PS/No10 LETTER]
Hong Kong and South China in an Asia/Pacific context
The proposed talks with China about constitutional development in Hong Kong were announced [on 17 February]. Mr Howell (and some of his colleagues in the Group) (will have recieved] a "dear colleague" letter about this, but the Prime Minister may wish to comment briefly on the implications in this context. He will also wish to welcome in general terms the inclusion of Hong Kong on the group's March agenda, and to encourage members of the group to reinforce the value of the Japanese speaking privately to China in support of our policies on Hong Kong.
[On the proposalfor a tripartite conference on Hong Kong...- FED to draft] The Prime Minister might say:
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It is most welcome that Chinese have withdrawn their preconditions and agreed to discuss with us the electoral arrangements for Hong kong. We hope result will be a return to a more co-operative relationship. This would be in best interests of Hong Kong, China and the Region.
Good to see a Hong Kong component in your discussions with Japan, given strong economic links between Japan and Hong Kong.
People's Republic needs reminding that China's behaviour towards Hong Kong affects International business confidence. Useful if you can encourage your Japanese colleagues to speak privately to Chinese colleagues on these lines.
IN
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HICD 021/2
1 5 FEB 1993
GISTRY
tut:n Taker
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ukj2000.let JM BRIEF
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