.W.O. Lid. 11:82.56-3683. 200m.
DSR 11C
LINE TO TAKE WITH THE PRESS IN RESPONSE TO QUESTIONS
ABOUT A SECOND PHASE OF THE TALKS ON THE FUTURE OF HONG KONG
TO BE ANNOUNCED ON 1 JULY
Q. What is meant by 'second phase'?
A. We have been having important and useful exchanges with
the Chinese since last September.
A point has now
been reached where the Governor's participation is
appropriate.
Q. What has brought about this move to a second phase?
A. I cannot reveal the content of our talks with the Chinese.
Q. Has Britain conceded sovereignty?
A. No. The positions of the British and Chinese
Governments on this are well known and have not changed.
Q. Is there a timetable for the talks?
A. This particular session is likely to last for one day.
No timetable has been set for the talks as a whole and
I cannot predict how long they will take. We and the
Chinese are getting on with them as qucikly as we can. Q. What exactly is the Governor's position? Will he take
part in all future talks?
A. The Governor is taking part in this session as a member
The team is headed by our
of the British team.
Ambassador in Peking.
There is no hard and fast rule
about how often the Governor will take part. He will
attend as appropriate.
mofficiale's
Q. Is the timing of the Governor's visit to London
significant?
A. Their visit is timely but there is no direct link between
LE
the two events. The visit by Unofficials is part of the
continuing process of consultation on the future and