What about remaining 8%?
5.
The remaining part of the territory is not viable without
the New Territories.
Independence for Hong Kong?
6. With the New Territories Lease due to expire in 1997, this
is not a faesible option.
Aim of talks
7.
There is an agreed common aim of maintaining Hong Kong's
stability and prosperity. HMG's aim is to agree through discussions with the Chinese Government, arrangements for the future which will maintain Hong Kong's stability and prosperity
and be acceptable to the British Parliament, the Government of
China and the people of Hong Kong.
Progress of talks
8. Eighteen rounds of talks have so far taken place in the
second, more detailed phase. They are proceeding in a friendly
atmosphere. By common agreement the content of the talks is
confidential.
The Working Group
9. A working group has been established to consider documents
submitted by the two sides in pursuit of their objective of
reaching agreement as soon as possible on the question of Hong
Kong. The British side is led by Dr David Wilson, Assistant
Under Secretary at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office. The
group is working full time between rounds of formal talks.
Both working group teams are responsible to the Chairman of
their respective government delegations who remain responsible
for the overall conduct of the negotiations.
Details of the work of the Working Group
10. The content of the talks remains confidential.
Visit of Mr Luce to Hong Kong
member for Shasham
11. The Rt Hon visited Hong Kong from 12-14 July for routine consultations. He had useful meetings with the Executive and
Legislative Councils of Hong Kong and with community and
business representatives.
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