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