CONFIDENTIAL
independent Monitoring Team have now been published and laid before
Parliament in a White Paper. The conclusion of the Assessment
Office is that the agreement as a whole is acceptable to the majority of people in Hong Kong, while the Monitoring Team regard this as the outcome of an impartial assessment, properly conducted. It is in light of these reports that the House will wish to discuss
the draft agreement.
11.
This week's debate will be an important occasion for the House
and for the people of Hong Kong. We will be determining the future of the territory and its 5 million people for a period stretching
well into the 21st century, beyond our own lifetimes. I know that
Members will be weighing up the matter seriously and scrupulously
with the best interests of the people of Hong Kong at heart.
12. If Parliament approves the Government's intentions to sign the draft agreement the Prime Minister will travel to Peking later this month to participate in the signature ceremony together with Premier Zhao Ziyang. This will symbolise the high level of political commitment to the agreement which exists on both sides. Following signature the Government will introduce a Bill on Hong Kong providing for the termination of sovereignty and other measures flowing from the agreement. The House will have a full opportunity to debate this Bill in the New Year.
23 November 1984
Hong Kong Department
CONFIDENTIAL