BACKGROUND ON HONG KONG
HONG KONG'S SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES
1.
Hong Kong differs from Britain's other Dependent Territories
in that:
a. it has a far larger population (approximately 5.2 million);
b. 98% of that population are Chinese;
c. 92% of the Territory is held under a lease from China
due to expire in 1997.
2.
Because of these special circumstances, particularly the
question of the lease and China's attitude to the Territory, the
normal process of constitutional development is not a practicable
proposition for Hong Kong,
3. The question of Hong Kong was discussed during the Prime
Minister's visit to Peking in September. It was agreed that the
two Governments would enter talks through diplomatic channels
with the common aim of maintaining the stability and prosperity
of Hong Kong.
THE UNITED NATIONS AND HONG KONG
4.
5.
The United Kingdom no longer transmits information in respect
of Hong Kong under Article 73(e) of the United Nations Charter.
In accordance with Article 73(e) of the United Nations
Charter, the United Kingdom began transmitting information on
Hong Kong to the Secretary-General annually from 1947.
the General Assembly adopted the Declaration of the Granting of
Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples (Resolution 1514
In 1960
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