AMBASSADOR KE'S REMARKS IN THE PEOPLE'S DAILY
Line to take
ра
Pamela
pc/1970
We have not seen the full text of Ambassador Ke's remarks but it
does not appear that he said anything significantly new (the points
were made at his press conference in London immediately following
the JLG meeting).
- Our views on the subject of confidence in Hong Kong are well
known. They were put forcefully to the Chinese authorities at the recent JLG meeting.
The Chinese authorities are also well aware that our commitment to
the Joint Declaration is undiminished.
It is essential that we return to a constructive dialogue with the Chinese authorities to restore confidence in Hong Kong's future.
Has the UK connived at 'activities' ('sabotage') aimed at
overthrowing the Chinese Government?
-
Such a view is quite wrong.
The people of Hong Kong attach great
importance to their democratic freedoms under their own legal
system. Equally, it is important that such freedoms are used with a
sense of responsibility. There is no intention to use Hong Kong as
a base for 'activities' against the Chinese Government. But the democratic freedoms of Hong Kong must be preserved.
HKC031/25