COHADE
RESTRICTED
Opening Line
SECRETARY OF STATE'S BRIEFING FOR THE MEDIA
Introduction
1. About to pay first substantive visit to Hong Kong since negotation of Joint Declaration in 1983-4. Invited you because of my concern about press coverage of Hong Kong in British media. Misconceptions have grown up about Joint Declaration and our policy
in implementing it.
The Joint Declaration
2. First, misconception that Joint Declaration was "Chinese takeaway". Grotesque distortion. Outcome of long and taxing negotiation. We fought tenaciously for Hong Kong's interests, secured major concessions from Chinese.
3.
Examples
We
China wanted unilateral statement of Chinese policies. secured binding international treaty, registered at United
Nations.
China wanted sketchy outline of basic principles. We secured detailed commitment to maintenance of Hong Kong's systems and
life-style.
China wanted selective references to rights and freedoms. We secured wholesale application of International Covenants.
China was opposed to elected legislature for Hong Kong. secured this, plus accountibility of executive.
We
China wanted obtrusive liaison body in Hong Kong. We reduced scope and functions, delayed establishment in Hong Kong, secured "mirror image" up to 2,000.
RESTRICTED