GENERAL SUPPLEMENTARIES
CONFIDENTIAL
Will the Chinese stick to the agreement?
1. Chinese leaders made
Joint
clear during the Prime Minister's visit to
Peking their commitment to implementing the agreement. Declaration is formal and binding international agreement. China is
justifiably proud of its record in meeting obligations under
international
agreements. Agreement meets interests
both sides.
No reason to think that the Chinese will not honour it.
of
What if the Chinese breach agreement?
2.
a
whole.
The breach of a legally binding international agreement would be
a most serious matter
in our own eyes and no doubt
international community as
in
those of the
representations
We would of
to the Chinese
Government
course make the
in
strongest possible
order to seek a remedy.
If the Chinese breach the agreement could
3.
60
we repudiate it?
Yes, but only if it was a material breach, as defined in Article
on the law of treaties.
There would
of The Vienna Convention
have to be a breach by China of a provision essential to the
accomplishment of the object and purpose of the agreement.
Parallels with the Falklands?
4. Absolutely no parallel. Hong Kong is sui generis in
sui generis in that 92 per
cent of the territory
covered by a lease with a fixed expiry
date.
is
5.
International resettlement of those unwilling to stay in Hong Kong
Our firm intention to make the agreement work and create
which Hong Kong people will continue living and
working in a flourishing community. Cannot build with one hand and
pull down with the other.
conditions
in
Participation of Hong Kong people in drafting of Basic Law
Chinese leaders have made it clear that people of Hong Kong wil1
be consulted on drafting of Basic Law. Prime Minister told this
6.
CONFIDENTIAL