1
CONFIDENTIAL
HOUSE OF COMMONS: ADJOURNMENT DEBATE ON HONG KONG: 25 MAY 1984
NOTES FOR SUPPLEMENTARIES
Residual Status for Britain in Hong Kong after 1997
1.
My right Honourable and learned friend 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 are aiming to secure a high degree of autonomy for Hong Kong under Chinese sovereignty. I think the meaning of that statement is
clear.
Undertakings to British Dependent Territories Citizens or People in
Hong Kong (General)
We are working for an agreement which will give all Hong Kong people confidence to continue living and working in the territory.
2.
Visit of Unofficial Members of the Executive and Legislative
Councils
(UMELCO)
3. In making the visit and issuing their manifesto the Unofficials
were acting entirely on their own initiative. There was no prior consultation with HMG or the Hong Kong Government. They were exercising their right of free speech. It was understandable tht they should seek to express their understanding of the wishes and concerns of the people of Hong Kong.
Split between HMG and UMELCO [Defensive]
4. There is no question of a split with the Unofficials. Collaboration with the Unofficials, including the EXCO Unofficials who are the Governor's confidential advisers, remain close. are an important source of advice.
What if no Agreement can be reached?
5. That is a hypothetical question. We are working for a
They
CONFIDENTIAL