PS/Mr Luce
HICK 027/21
RECEIVES
-2401934
FROM: Richard Clarke
News Department
DATE: 1 August 1984
139
cc: Mr Hum, HKD
сла
HONG KONG PRESS CONFERENCE
1. The following were the main points that arose from questions at the Secretary of State's press conference in Hong Kong this morning (a verbatim transcript is being prepared by the COI, and will be available shortly):
i. the annexes to the Agreement will be equally binding;
ii. there was no discussion of the Hong Kong Government Green Paper during the talks in Peking;
iii. we have recognised the importance of maintaining Hong Kong's rights in the GATT and other international agreements by ensuring continuity after 1997, albeit under different auspices;
iv. the proposed Joint Liaison Group will not undermine the authority of British administration of Hong Kong up to 1997. The terms of reference of the Group contained in the statement have been underwritten by the Chinese Government;
V.
the Agreement is being negotiated on the basis of a complete draft for initialling. The question of one side wishing to enter a reserve on certain aspects therefore cannot arise. Consultations in Hong Kong as to the acceptability of the agreement will therefore be on the basis of the document as a whole. this reason, we are working towards an agreement that we can honourably carry to Parliament and Hong Kong;
For
vi. Defence and External affairs will be the responsibility of China post-1997. But the internal affairs, including security, will be the responsibility of the Hong Kong SAR Government;
vii.
the agreement will be as legally binding as any other international agreement. As to guarantees of observance by future Chinese Governments, we live in the real world. The best assurances are the prospects for increasing and continuing prosperity in China and Hong Kong that will arise from the respect for a binding agreement;
viii. the conclusions of the assessment office will be of great importance to the British Parliament. As we have consistently stated, the Agreement must be one we can honourably carry;
ix. the Joint Liaison Group will consist of ten members, five appointed by each side. Hong Kong interests will be represented. The starting date (in Hong Kong) of 1988 emerged from the process of negotiations, and, represents 'a sensible compromise';
X. it would not be right to discuss further the outstanding issues noted in the statement, which are the subject of continuing discussions;
/xi.