5.
WORK OF JOINT LIAISON GROUP
Progress on concrete issues in Joint Liaison Group is important
means of boosting confidence in Hong Kong.
Comprehensive and frank
-
JLG met in London on 27/29 September. exchange of views.
- Both sides reaffirmed continued commitment to Joint Declaration. Agreed to meet again on 5/8 December in Hong Kong. Our aim now to return to normal business as soon as possible.
6. JOINT DECLARATION NO LONGER VALID?
No one could seriously claim that there is any viable alternative
to Joint Declaration.
Sure
Foreign Affairs Committee Report described Joint Declaration as "the best and surest treaty base for the future of Hong Kong". that great majority of Hong Kong people share that view.
Reality is that 92% of Hong Kong reverts to China in 1997 when lease expires. Better that it is returned with all safeguards contained in Joint Declaration than without an agreement.
7. CHINESE CANNOT BE TRUSTED TO RESPECT JOINT DECLARATION
-
Chinese have reiterated at highest level their firm commitment to Joint Declaration. We welcome this.
- Joint Declaration internationally binding agreement, registered at United Nations.
- In China's interests to make Joint Declaration work. Massive
stake in Hong Kong's continuing success, both economically and politically.
8.
Recent events have not changed that fundamental reality.
JOINT DECLARATION SHOULD BE RENEGOTIATED
If we were to reopen
- Joint Declaration is a very good agreement. aspects of it, China might do the same. Risk that whole agreement would unravel.
- Unlikely in present climate we would end up with better agreement
for Hong Kong.
ACMAAM (2)