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practice.
18. WHY 50 YEARS? WHY NOT LONGER?
50 years (63 years from now) is a very considerable period.
19. ROLE OF EXCO IN NEGOTIATIONS
Unofficial
EXCO was fully consulted throughout negotiations.
members expressed with greatest firmness their understanding of Hong
Kong's interests and Hong Kong opinion. Decision to initial
agreement was taken in accordance with their advice to British
Ministers.
20.
CONSULTATION OF HONG KONG OPINION?
Ministers have visited Hong Kong to
EXCO have been fully consulted.
keep in touch with opinion, and have been kept closely in touch with
debate on future in Hong Kong. Views expressed in Hong Kong were fully taken into account in negotiations.
21. WHY NO PLAN FOR INTERNATIONAL RESETTLEMENT OF THOSE UNWILLING
TO STAY IN HONG KONG? (Cf LEVIN ARTICLE)
•
Our firm intention, and that of Chinese Government, is to make the agreement work and create conditions in which Hong Kong people will be able to continue living and working in a flourishing community. It would run strongly counter to spirit of agreement to contemplate the sort of international resettlement operation envisaged by some
commentators. It would damage confidence in Hong Kong and might well cause panic among the population. Should also remember that the UK will continue to be fully responsible for the administration of Hong Kong for the next 13 years. A long time.
22.
STEPS LEADING UP TO RATIFICATION?
After the assessment of acceptability has been completed Parliament will wish to discuss the draft agreement. Next step is signature. Parliament will then need to pass legislation to implement the provisions of agreement before ratification can take place.
Agreement enters into force on ratification.
23. TIMETABLE?
Assessment of acceptability will end in late November and
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