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DSR 11C
originally proposed that the agreement should stipulate
that the exchange of instruments of ratification should
take place within 30 days of signature. We have
explained to them that ratification can only follow
Legislation in the British Parliament to allow the United
Kingdom to divest itself of sovereignty. The Chinese
appear to accept this, but insist that we should include
within the Agreement (to be called a Joint Declaration) a
date for ratification. We ourselves think that early
ratification is important to put an end to uncertainty in
Hong Kong.
In all the circumstances my considered view is that July
1985 is the latest date which we could reasonably put to
the Chinese for ratification. Even this will not be
easy for them. It is clear that they attach considerable
importance to this point and a row about it could well
make the conclusion of the agreement more difficult. But
before we do agree to insert the date of July 1985 into
the Joint Declaration, we will need your agreement that
the necessary legislation can be completed by the end of
June 1985.
We have in mind a short bill, essentially dealing with
the termination of British sovereignty over Hong Kong as
from 1 July 1997. We shall try to avoid the necessity
for it to deal with other matters, such as nationality,
which might complicate its passage, and are in my view
better left until the dust settles at a later date. We
however be absolutely certain which aspects the
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