ROZALN
RESTRICTED
BILATERAL MEETING BETWEEN SECRETARY OF STATE AND US SECRETARY OF
STATE: 12 FEBRUARY
BRIEF NO
: HONG KONG
OBJECTIVES
1. To make clear that there is no question of Britain reneging on
its commitment to Hong Kong.
To thank Mr Baker for recent US decision to take more Vietnamese
boat people from Hong Kong.
2.
POINTS TO MAKE
(a) Joint Declaration
1. Wrong to suggest, as some commentators have done, that Britain
is reneging on its commitment to Hong Kong.
2.
Remain fully committed to faithful implementation of Joint
Declaration. Working hard to ensure Hong Kong remains thriving,
dynamic society where people wish to live, now and beyond 1997.
3.
Good progress so far but much work remains to be done.
(b) Basic Law
Drafting of Basic Law is progressing well. Have had fruitful behind-the-scenes dialogue with Chinese.
4.
5. Some problems remain. But Chinese officials have repeatedly
stated that draft is open to further amendment.
6.
Provisions on political structure are subject of intense debate
in Hong Kong. Hope Hong Kong people will be able to agree on
consensus formula which commands widest support and confidence.
RESTRICTED