CONFIDENTIAL
PRIME MINISTER'S VISIT TO CHINA AND HONG KONG: 18-21 DECEMBER 1984
HONG KONG
BRIEF NO 4: PRESS CONFERENCE
NOTES FOR SUPPLEMENTARIES [Transcript of 1982 press conference at
Annex]
VALIDITY OF TREATIES?
1.
Our position has always been that the three treaties are valid. China does not accept that view. In our negotiations we were able to reach an amicable agreement on a text which does not seek to resolve this difference of opinion but sets it on one side. The agreement provides for the restoration of Hong Kong to China with effect from 1 July 1997, and for the British Government to be responsible for the administration of the territory before that date. Whatever the status of the three treaties may have been prior
to that date it is clear that thereafter they can no longer have any
application. They are a part of history. We now look forward to the implementation of the agreement in friendship and partnership
with China. We do not want to dwell on the past.
2.
YOUR INSISTENCE ON VALIDITY OF TREATIES MADE TALKS MORE DIFFICULT
It is true that there were differences between the two sides at
the outset of the talks, on sovereignty and on other matters. I said in my press conference in September 1982 that it was best under
such circumstances to enter into talks in order to arrive at an
agreed solution. That is exactly what has been done in the agreement and the associated memoranda.
IMPLICATIONS OF TREATIES FOR UK LAW?
3. (IF PRESSED) Under UK law, Britain has sovereignty over Hong
Kong Island and part of Kowloon. In order to ratify the agreement it will be necessary for Parliament to pass legislation providing
for the termination of British sovereignty in 1997.
CONFIDENTIAL