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CONFIDENTIAL
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which came into force in April last year, were announced to
the House on 19 December 1975. As my Right Honourable
Friend the Secretary of State for Defence told my
Honourable Friend the Member for Heeley) Sheffield on
9 November last, I m satisfied that the agreement remains
in the best interests of both Her Majesty's Government and
the Hong Kong Government.
CHINESE ASPECTS
HONG KONG'S "UNIQUE CIRCUMSTANCES" AND A WARSAW PACT PRESLEICE
13. I would not wish to add to the reply which my Honourabl
Friend the Farliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Foreign
and Commonwealth Affairs gave to my Honourable Friend on
10 February.
THE FUTURE OF HONG KONG AND THE EXPIRY OF THE LEASE
14.
Her Majesty's Government will continue to administer
Hong Kong in the interests of those who live there. 1997
is still quite a long way ahead and a great deal will have
happened by then, not only in the area but in other parts of
the world as well. It is not possible to predict what the
circumstances will be so far in the future, [This formula
was used by Lord Goronwy-koberts in the House of Lords on
1 April 1976).
DEVELOPMENTS IN CHINA
15.
Recent developments in China have had no significant
effect on anylo/Chinese relations and the confidence of Her
Majesty's Government on the continuing development of Hong
Kong has not been taken by them. Anglo/Chinese relations
remain excellent and practical contacts over Hong Kong are
friendly and helvful. Ben Yalesty's Government see no reasor
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