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Brier No. 2
VISIT OF THE SECRETARY OF STATE TO HONG KONG
APRIL 1970
CHINESE POLICY TOWARDS HONG KONG
SPEAKING NOTES
(Separate note provided for speaking to Press)
While the Chinese Government still claim that Hong Kong is
Chinese territory, they seem disposed to resume the working
relationship which existed between the Colony and China before the
disturbances in 1967. They have responded in a co-operative way
to day-to-day problems, such as the return of yachtsmen, and the
borders are generally quiet. For our part, we shall continue to
foster the return to normal relations between Hong Kong and China;
this is very much to the benefit of both sides.
(Defensive)
The expiry of the New Territories' Lease in 1997
It is true that the lease over the New Territories expires in
1997 € This is a very long way ahead. A great deal will have
happened in the area between now and 1997. It is simply not possible
for anyone to predict what the circumstanees will be at such a
distance in the future.