Why Foreign Secretary about to visit Peking?
12. My Right Honourable and Learned Friend the Foreign
Secretary will continue his series of discussions with the
Chinese Foreign Minister and other Chinese leaders on all aspects of Hong Kong's future. There is nothing unusual in the Secretary of State's visit now; the purpose is to carry forward the talks at the highest level.
Residual British status after 1997
13. The Secretary of State said in his statement in Hong Kong
on 20 April that it was not realistic to contemplate continued
British Administration in Hong Kong after 1997, and that we
were aiming to secure a high degree of autonomy for Hong Kong under Chinese sovereignty. I think the meaning of that statement
is clear.
When will draft agreement be published?
14. We are working to a timetable which takes account of
Chinese wishes and of all our own requirements.
Nature of Agreement
15. We are seeking a detailed and binding agreement in which
a framework of arrangements providing for the maintenance of
Hong Kong's systems, laws and way of life will be formally
recorded.
Have HMG concede sovereignty and/or administration?
16.
HMG are fully aware that it is not within their power to
concede sovereignty. Only Parliamentary can do that. The
issue of sovereignty will be dealt with fully in the proposals
which the government hope to put to Parliament later this year. The package of arrangements brought to Parliament must be judged as a whole.
What if no agreement can be reached?
17.
That is a hypothetical question. We are working for a
successful conclusion of the negotiations.
PLA Garrison in Hong Kong
18.
I cannot go into the details of the negotiations.