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FOREIGN AFFAIRS SELECT COMMITTEE:
EVIDENCE BY THE SECRETARY OF
STATE: 14 MARCH 1984: HONG KONG NEGOTIATIONS
Our confidential talks with the Chinese Government are continuing Nine rounds have now been through diplomatic channels in Peking.
held in the second, more detailed phase of talks which began last July. The latest round (22/23 February), like its predecessor, was
The next will described by both sides as useful and constructive.
be on 16/17 March.
The talks are taking place in a good atmosphere and are covering much detailed ground. There is no doubt that progress has been made. We and the Chinese Government are continuing to look realistically at the Hong Kong question from every angle to see how the territory's continuing stability and prosperity, the agreed
We want the best common aim of the talks, might best be ensured. possible deal for Hong Kong. We believe that the joint objective of the talks, and our good relations with China, will help us to achieve a satisfactory negotiated settlement in the territory's best interests. We are receptive to any proposals for Hong Kong's future which would ensure continuing stability and prosperity and be acceptable to Parliament, the Chinese Government and the people of Hong Kong. We are getting on with the talks as quickly as we can, but believe that the overriding consideration must be to find the right solution. we are making a particular point of keeping in close touch with Hong Kong opinion, notably through the Governor and through his Executive Council. Mr Luce paid a very useful visit to the territory between 25 and 28 February, when he met representatives of a wide range of local opinions. I hope to visit Hong Kong myself as soon as possible. The Hong Kong people attach great importance to continuity in the systems, the freedoms and the way of life that they currently enjoy. Our task in the negotiations is to establish how this continuity can best be assured.
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