QUESTION FOR WRITTEN ANSWER
(Notice given 2 October: Reply due 13 October)
24
of
Ms Sonja DAVIES (Pencarrow) to the Minister External Relations and Trade : In light of New Zealand's bid for a seat on the security council of the United Nations, what is his Government's policy on the future of Hong Kong regarding the safeguards negotiated between Britain and China to protect Hong Kong residents?
Answer
Rt Hon Don MCKINNON, Minister of External Relations and
Trade, replied: The Government sees no connection between
its bid for а seat on the Security Council and the
question of Hong Kong's future. Its policy towards
Hong Kong is consistent whether Or not New Zealand is
standing for the Security Council.
The
Government attaches
great
the
importance to
continuation of a prosperous and confident Hong Kong,
which is a significant trading partner and a gateway for
our growing trade with China. As one of Asia's dynamic
economies, Hong Kong has an important place in the region
with which our trading future is inextricably linked.
HICD 021/5
2
We have followed the
negotiations between Britain and
China over Hong Kong's future closely. The agreements
which have been reached appear to have reassured Hong Kong
residents and boosted foreign and local business
confidence in Hong Kong's continuing status as
international financial and trading centre.
New Zealand looks forward
transition to 1997.
to
a successful
an
For its part,
and smooth
We intend to maintain and strengthen
Our ties with Hong Kong, and to continue to deal with
Hong Kong after 1997.
ра
International Support / Australia. HKD 021/5
UNCLASSIFIED
Mrs Barnes Jones
Миз
fi
росс
Woodrar yu
26 October 1992
TCF Flear Esq MVO
South Pacific Department
FCO
Lear
Tim,
cc: Mr Robertson
07412 DTI
mr Howard
Sec(0)(c)
MOD
Mr Smith /Ms Legg ECD (E)
mi king
CFSP unit
Mr Murray SED
Mr Wogerfow HKD
mr Holmes Mr Thomas
Maxi
British
High Commission
Canberra
Commonwealth Avenue
Yarralumla
Canberra, ACT 2600
6
Telephone: (06) 270 6666 Facsimile: (General) - (06) 273 3236 (Commercial/Economic) - (06) 273 4360
нко огутра
(Chancery) - (06) 270 6653
Telex: AA 62222
EPC MINISTERIAL CONSULTATIONS: SENATOR EVANS'S PRESS CONFERENCE
1. I enclose a copy of Australia House's telegram (passed to me by a contact in DFAT) containing the transcript of Senator Evans's press conference given following his discussions with the Secretary of State and Mr Garel-Jones on 15 October. As you will see, Senator Evans chose to highlight the fact that he had mentioned Maralinga (page 1 of the transcript), and referred at least twice to his expectations that negotiations of some sort would follow the British Government's formal response to the Australian approach.
2.
You were no doubt aware that Senator Evans was seeing the Leader of the Opposition and Shadow Chancellor and Foreign Secretary as well as dining with HM The Queen (page 2 of the transcript).
3.
The transcript contains a wealth of comment about a wide range of issues. You might look, for example, at
Senator Evans's helpful comments on page 4 of the transcript about Australia's position on EC developments. The Senator was also forthright in support of a Cyprus settlement (page 10) and made clear that when in Ankara, he would encourage the Turkish Government in turn to encourage Mr Denktash to play an active and constructive role (Canberra telno 542 refers). Senator Evans also had a number of supportive things to say about the Governor's recent announcement in Hong Kong (page 11 onwards).
4.
May I please leave it to you to circulate transcript extracts as you consider appropriate.
Yours
lier,
D G Blunt
First Secretary