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MOTION FOR THE WHITSUN ADJOURNMENT
FUTURE OF HONG KONG
BACKGROUND
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1. The fourteenth round of the second, more detailed phase of talks
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on Hong Kong's future took place in Peking on 9/10 May. The following
statement was issued there on 10 May:
'The Chinese and British sides continued their useful and
constructive talks on the Hong Kong question on 9 and 10
May in Peking. It was agreed that the fifteenth round of
talks would take place on 30 and 31 May in Peking'.
2. The Secretary of State visited Peking from 16-18 April and held
discussions with Chinese leaders, including Deng Xiaoping, on all
aspects of Hong Kong's future. Some progress was made during the
visit, but there are still difficulties which need to be resolved.
3. The Secretary of State visited Hong Kong from 18-20 April and
had discussions with the Governor, the Executive Council and
representatives of a wide range of Hong Kong opinion. On 20 April,
he made a statement describing the way in which we are approaching
the negotiations with the Chinese.
4. HMG's aim in the talks is to seek a solution which would preserve
Hong Kong's stability, prosperity and way of life after 1997 and
would be acceptable to the British and Chinese governments and to
the people of Hong Kong.
5. The House of Commons debated the future of Hong Kong on 16 May
Hong Kong Department. 15 May 1984.
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